How did West African slavery contrast with the trans - Sahara slave trade ransharen slave trade
The trans-Saharan slave trade and West African slavery were both forms of slavery that occurred in the region, but they had some key differences.
1. Trans-Saharan slave trade: This trade route involved the capturing and selling of slaves from sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa and the Middle East. Slaves were typically forced to work in domestic service or agriculture. The trans-Saharan slave trade was characterized by long treks across the desert, with many slaves dying during the journey due to harsh conditions.
2. West African slavery: Slavery in West Africa was driven by domestic factors and not as extensive or organized as the trans-Saharan slave trade. In West Africa, slavery was often a result of warfare, debt, or as a form of punishment. Many slaves in West Africa worked in agriculture, mining, and as domestic servants.
3. Trans-Saharan slave trade: The trans-Saharan slave trade focused on the exportation of African slaves to regions outside of Africa, such as the Middle East and Europe. It was a major source of slaves for the Islamic world and was driven by demand for labor in these regions.
4. West African slavery: Slavery in West Africa was more decentralized and based on local customs and practices. Slaves were often integrated into the family or community of their owners and had some degree of social mobility.
Overall, the trans-Saharan slave trade was more organized and systematic compared to West African slavery, which was more localized and driven by different social and economic factors.