Title: How were the West African kingdoms involved in the slave trade? | Socratic
Headings: How were the West African kingdoms involved in the slave trade?
How were the West African kingdoms involved in the slave trade?
1 Answer
John C. Thompson
Explanation:

Content: How were the West African kingdoms involved in the slave trade? | Socratic
How were the West African kingdoms involved in the slave trade? World History
1 Answer
John C. Thompson
Mar 24, 2016
The Trans-Atlantic slave trade would not have been possible without the cooperation of African leaders who exchanged slaves for trade goods. Explanation: The trade in African slaves -- both on the Atlantic coast (from around 1503 to 1853) and the Indian Ocean (more or less continuous from Ancient times, and still not completely stamped out) -- has always depended on local parties supplying slaves. "Sailor, beware the Bight of Benin, for there are few who come out though many go in." -- Traditional, Sailors Rhyme. The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade began with the first Portuguese shipment of slaves to the New World in 1503 and was repressed after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. During that time, the European presence on the West African coast was severely limited, largely by the disease environment. Moreover, until the late 19th Century, military expeditions into the African interior were easily avoided or defeated.