Need help from an expert?
The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.
The expansion of the East African Slave Trade was driven by increased demand for labour, economic growth, and political factors.
The East African Slave Trade, also known as the Arab Slave Trade, expanded significantly from the 7th to the 20th century. One of the primary factors driving this expansion was the increased demand for labour. As the economies of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire grew, so did their need for labour. Slaves were used in a variety of roles, from domestic servants to soldiers, and their labour was integral to the economic growth of these regions. The demand for slaves was particularly high in the agricultural and mining sectors, where they were used to cultivate sugar, cotton, and other cash crops, as well as extract precious metals and gemstones.
Economic growth and the development of trade networks also played a significant role in the expansion of the East African Slave Trade. The growth of the Swahili Coast as a major trading hub facilitated the movement of slaves from the interior of Africa to the coast, where they were then transported to markets across the Indian Ocean. The development of these trade networks was further facilitated by the spread of Islam, which not only provided a religious justification for slavery but also established a common cultural and legal framework that facilitated trade.
Political factors were another key driver of the expansion of the East African Slave Trade. The fragmentation of political authority in East Africa made it easier for slave traders to operate. Many local leaders were willing to trade slaves in exchange for goods such as firearms, which they could use to consolidate their power. The involvement of European powers in the trade, particularly the Portuguese and the British, also contributed to its expansion. These powers established forts and trading posts along the East African coast, which served as hubs for the slave trade.
In conclusion, the expansion of the East African Slave Trade was driven by a combination of factors, including increased demand for labour, economic growth, and political factors. These factors created a context in which the trade in slaves was not only profitable but also politically and socially acceptable, leading to its expansion over several centuries.
Study and Practice for Free
Trusted by 100,000+ Students Worldwide
Achieve Top Grades in your Exams with our Free Resources.
Practice Questions, Study Notes, and Past Exam Papers for all Subjects!
The world’s top online tutoring provider trusted by students, parents, and schools globally.