Which of the following statements about the slave trade that developed from the fifteenth century onward is correct?
AThose sold into slavery by African kings were primarily undesirables such as lawbreakers or persons accused of witchcraft.
[B] Slavery already existed in West African societies and was a much harsher, less humane form of slavery than that practiced by the Europeans.
[C] The only motivation was economic, and race had no role.
[D] The trade began accidentally because of a linguistic misunderstanding between Portuguese seamen and Olaudah Equiano.
[E] Africans taken into slavery were often frightened by the horrible looks, red faces, and long hair of whites.
Is this C or D
Read all of this VERY CAREFULLY:
http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/teachers/curriculum/m7b/activity1.php
... especially from this section onwards: "How the Atlantic Slave Trade Operated"
I got C is that correct
when did the atlantic slave trade began? in the 1500's right?
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A. Those sold into slavery by African kings were primarily undesirables such as lawbreakers or persons accused of witchcraft.
This statement is partially correct. While it is true that African kings did participate in the slave trade, not all individuals sold into slavery were undesirables or criminals. Many were captured during wars or raids.
B. Slavery already existed in West African societies and was a much harsher, less humane form of slavery than that practiced by the Europeans.
This statement is widely accepted by historians and is considered accurate. Slavery in West African societies predated the arrival of Europeans and was different from the chattel slavery practiced in the Americas. It was often based on debt, criminal punishment, or captured individuals becoming part of the household.
C. The only motivation was economic, and race had no role.
This statement is not entirely accurate. While economic motivations were significant, race did play a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade. Africans were targeted as a source of labor due to their perceived racial inferiority and the demand for labor in emerging European colonies.
D. The trade began accidentally because of a linguistic misunderstanding between Portuguese seamen and Olaudah Equiano.
This statement is incorrect. The slave trade was not accidental, nor did it originate from a linguistic misunderstanding. It was a deliberate and organized economic enterprise driven by European colonial expansion and the demand for labor in the New World.
E. Africans taken into slavery were often frightened by the horrible looks, red faces, and long hair of whites.
This statement reflects a common stereotype and misconception. While individual reactions to unfamiliar physical appearances may vary, the fear or frightfulness of Africans towards Europeans was not a defining aspect of the transatlantic slave trade.
Based on the analysis above, option B is the correct statement. Slavery in West African societies predated European involvement and was generally harsher and less humane than the chattel slavery practiced by the Europeans.