1. Turbulent Centuries in Africa

2. Atlantic Slave Trade

3. European and African Slave Trade Began in the 1500s to fill the need for labor in Spain’s American Empire. Thousands of slaves traded yearly Traders relied on African rulers and traders to capture Africans and sell on the coast.

4. Merchant ships brought goods to Africa to be traded for slaves Triangular Trade Middle Passage, slaves transported to the West Indies. They were traded for sugar, molasses and other products. Products from West Indies were shipped to Europe or Colonies in America.

5. Impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade Estimated 2,000 Africans sent to the Americas in 1500’s 1780’s had estimated 80,000 a year By the 1800’s estimated 11 million reached the Americas. Estimated 2 million died on the voyage