Mamu Ally
Jan 25
Give the 6 reasons that led to the enslavement of African people to American and Caribbean during mercantilism? ?
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Jan 25
1. Economic demand: The primary reason for the enslavement of African people during mercantilism was the economic demand for labor in the American and Caribbean colonies. European colonizers needed a large workforce to cultivate cash crops such as tobacco, sugar, and cotton, which were highly profitable commodities in the global market.
2. Native American resistance: Initially, Native Americans were enslaved and forced to work on plantations. However, they were susceptible to diseases brought by Europeans and often resisted enslavement, leading to a high mortality rate. As a result, African slaves were seen as a more reliable and resistant labor force.
3. Racial hierarchy and dehumanization: The development of racial hierarchies and the dehumanization of Africans played a significant role in justifying their enslavement. Europeans considered themselves superior to Africans based on their skin color, culture, and religion, which led to the belief that Africans were naturally suited for servitude.
4. Existing African slave trade: Prior to European involvement, African societies had a long history of slavery, often based on warfare or debt. European traders took advantage of these existing systems and expanded them to meet the growing demand for labor in the colonies.
5. Profitability and efficiency: Enslaving Africans was seen as a more profitable and efficient labor system compared to indentured servitude or European labor. Africans were considered physically stronger and more resistant to diseases, making them better suited for the harsh conditions of plantation work.
6. Legal and political support: European powers, such as Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands, established legal frameworks and political support for the enslavement of Africans. They passed laws that defined Africans as property and protected the rights of slaveholders, ensuring the continuation of the transatlantic slave trade.
2. Native American resistance: Initially, Native Americans were enslaved and forced to work on plantations. However, they were susceptible to diseases brought by Europeans and often resisted enslavement, leading to a high mortality rate. As a result, African slaves were seen as a more reliable and resistant labor force.
3. Racial hierarchy and dehumanization: The development of racial hierarchies and the dehumanization of Africans played a significant role in justifying their enslavement. Europeans considered themselves superior to Africans based on their skin color, culture, and religion, which led to the belief that Africans were naturally suited for servitude.
4. Existing African slave trade: Prior to European involvement, African societies had a long history of slavery, often based on warfare or debt. European traders took advantage of these existing systems and expanded them to meet the growing demand for labor in the colonies.
5. Profitability and efficiency: Enslaving Africans was seen as a more profitable and efficient labor system compared to indentured servitude or European labor. Africans were considered physically stronger and more resistant to diseases, making them better suited for the harsh conditions of plantation work.
6. Legal and political support: European powers, such as Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands, established legal frameworks and political support for the enslavement of Africans. They passed laws that defined Africans as property and protected the rights of slaveholders, ensuring the continuation of the transatlantic slave trade.
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