Effect of the Atlantic Slave Trade in West Africa
Effect of the Atlantic Slave trade on some West African SocietiesAlbert von Dantzig Rerue Francoise d historic d outré-mer
The Atlantic Slave Trade had different effects on various slaves of Africa. Also, the trade
affected the people on a micro level as well. Among there people you are able to
distinguish:
 Societies that are mainly targeted Slaves raid.
 Societies mainly engaged in capturing slaves.
 Societies who engaged in the trade either as middlemen or retailers who sold
directly to Europeans.
An obvious effect is warfare, either among once unified states or towards the Europeans.
The Portuguese didn’t rely on the Gold coast to supply them with slaves as they “realized
that the purchase of slaves, mostly war-captive would encourage warfare, which would
negatively affect the gold trade.”(189) In addition, there was battle between states that
were once unified. Allada raided neighbouring states that were considered “sons” of
Allada, Weme and Dahomey, when there were shortages in the supply of slaves in their
states. (191)
Depopulation led to the lack of labour for the agriculture industry, where the absence of
the able-bodied leaving either the very old or the very young who would insufficiently try
to carry this practice. It was not only caused man’s capturing but by the disruption and
discontinuity of community life after a raid.
N.B The gradual increase in the demand and sale of slaves on the Gold Coast, led to the
diminish exportation of gold and also its production.
Overpopulation faced a palliative effect as persons fled to neighbouring areas because
unknown by many. Densely populated areas were key target for slave raiding. (201)
All the warfare and animosity about slave trade within states and empire did nothing
good but led to the eclipse of these African States. The slave capturing policy in
Akwamu Empire was a main cause of the revolts among the people, which weakened the
empire and led to its collapse. The slaves trade also led to the collapse of other states such
as Allada and Whydah. (194)
The Atlantic Slave trade gave great insecurity towards the people as they began to
distrust the government. At present, natural and man-made defences can be seen around
Mahi Villages for protection. (195) states ( Dahomey) who looked to more developed
states ( Wydah) for protection , turned to others ( Oyo) when their weakness wa taken
advantage of.
The Slave Trade brought economic wealth and power to various individuals and
groups. Fanti, Akwamuand Whydah, who had large stakes in the Slave Trade started to
gain emense power. (190) Europeans preferred to make deals with the coastal African
dealers and wholesalers who became very wealthy from the trade. (197) along with this,
one may say that the slave trade to a greater or lesser extent, “ suppressed the
development of an African Industry of European Luxury goods such as silks, velvets and
gold embroidered cloth. (198)
With the migration of varions European Nations into Afica, there was the
establishment or introduction of European factories in states such as Grand Apo,
Allada and Homedas.
The Slave trade gave the governments the opportunity to discard the
“unworthy” people. Whydayh was able to supply them with most of their criminals and
those sold on the gold coast was far inferior than the slaves of the other areas.
The Europeans’ introduction of firearm not only helped the states to protect
themselves but promoted violence and further turmoil, as the firearms were more superior
to their own weapons.
Done By: Kayan Douglas