<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
I've been studying slavery in the Americas and I didn't know that the United States bought their slaved from African slavers. Why is the U.S. apologetic about slavery when the real culprits were the African slavers?
<|assistant|>
The United States has acknowledged its role in the slave trade and issued formal apologies for the practice of slavery. This practice was widespread in Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean during the colonial and early republic period and many people, both in America and in Europe, were complicit in the system of enslavement. Despite the participation of many different people and governments, the United States is often singled out for criticizism due to its position as a leading player in the international slave trade.