Why did most slaves come from West Africa and not other regions of Africa?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_slave_trade
The majority of slaves during the era of the transatlantic slave trade came from West Africa for several reasons:
1. Geographic Factors: West Africa had favorable geographical conditions that made it easier for European slave traders to establish contact and transport slaves. The proximity of West Africa to Europe and the presence of natural harbors along its coastline facilitated direct access for European ships, enabling them to establish trade networks and capture or purchase enslaved Africans.
2. Political and Social Factors: West Africa was characterized by a diverse array of powerful kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Dahomey, the Ashanti Empire, and the Oyo Empire. These centralized states had well-organized economies and military structures, making it possible for European traders to negotiate with a few powerful authorities instead of dealing with numerous fragmented communities. This facilitated the capture and enslavement of large numbers of people.
3. Economic Factors: West Africa had a long history of trade connections with the Arab world, which contributed to the existence of established trade routes and market networks. Indigenous commodities, such as gold, ivory, and pepper, were in high demand in Europe, and Europeans found it advantageous to establish partnerships with African kingdoms, including the exchange of goods for enslaved Africans.
4. Ethnic Diversity: West Africa was home to a wide range of ethnolinguistic groups. These groups were often engaged in conflicts or wars, which sometimes resulted in the capture and enslavement of individuals from rival groups. The presence of diverse ethnic groups in this region made it easier for European slavers to exploit these existing tensions and purchase enslaved individuals from African intermediaries or coastal markets.
It is important to note that while West Africa was the primary source of enslaved Africans, people from other regions in Africa were also subjected to slavery. The Arab slave trade, for example, encompassed the eastern and northern parts of the continent, while internal slave trade existed within various regions of Africa. Slavery was not confined to a single region but had different dynamics throughout the continent.