Methods used to capture African enslaved people Flashcards
The Atlantic slave trade era began with Europeans going to Africa to kidnap people from coastal villages. Europeans abducted Africans using military superiority and surprise. Europeans knew that most small African villages or tribes had little to no protection against kidnapping. Europeans also exploited African tribes by pitting them against one another. While they were away fighting each other, Europeans would take this chance to raid villages and steal Africans for slavery. Europeans also too (12 cards)
What era began with Europeans going to Africa to kidnap people from coastal villages?
The Atlantic slave trade era
This era involved significant exploitation and abduction of Africans by Europeans.
How did Europeans abduct Africans from coastal villages?
Using military superiority and surprise
Most small African villages or tribes had little to no protection.
What strategy did Europeans use to exploit African tribes?
Pitting them against one another
This led to opportunities for Europeans to raid villages.
What did Europeans do during the fights between African tribes?
Raided villages and stole Africans for slavery
They took advantage of the chaos created by tribal conflicts.
Who were captured by Europeans during battles between warring African tribes?
Prisoners of war
Both sides of the conflict contributed to the pool of enslaved individuals.
What concerns led Europeans to stop traveling inland in Africa?
Concerns about safety and disease
This reluctance resulted in the use of middlemen.
Who were the middlemen in the Atlantic slave trade?
Wealthy African war lords
They captured enslaved people during surprise raids on villages.
How were adults and infants treated during capture for slavery?
Adults were bound and gagged; infants were sometimes thrown into sacks
This highlights the brutal nature of the abduction process.
What was a ‘coffle’ in the context of the Atlantic slave trade?
Lines of captives shackled or bound together
Enslaved people often traveled on foot in these formations.
What types of enslaved individuals were exchanged with Europeans?
Those enslaved because of debt, crime, or other punishable actions
This created a complex trade relationship between African leaders and European merchants.
What valuable items did Europeans exchange for enslaved people?
Guns, tobacco, alcohol, textiles, and beads
These items were not available in Africa, making them highly sought after.
Fill in the blank: The trade in enslaved people between African leaders and European merchants gradually _______.
evolved
This indicates a developing economic relationship based on exploitation.
