THE WEST AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE

Social Studies 7 Mr. Donnelly

Learning Objective & Do Now Learning Objective: We will learn how slaves became a valuable

trade item in West Africa starting in the 600’s. Do Now: Please watch this video and then we will have

an in-class activity and discussion: http://

www.history.com/shows/mankind-the-story-of-all-of-us/videos/african-slave-trade

Summary on Slavery in West Africa West African trade routes were

originally controlled by the Berbers, a people of North Africa

Arabs and then Europeans became slave traders

Criminals and people captured during battle could be sold into slavery as well as relatives of people who owed money

Muslim Traders & African Slavery The market for West African slaves

increased as Muslim traders took black Africans to sell in North Africa

West Africa was also the home of many slaves taken to the Americas

The slave trade became a key part of the West African economy, contributing to the power of the great empires