AP WORLD HISTORY CH 20
Ch 20 Packet
Africa and the Africans in the Age of the Atlantic Slave Trade
Part 1
1. Describe the characteristics of the “Atlantic System”.
The Atlantic System was a major catalyst in the growth and development of the Atlantic slave trade, which boosted the world economy significantly. The Atlantic system a link between Africa and the rest of the world. It simply was the destiny that Africans were going to face, being shipped to the Middle East, Europe, and especially across the Atlantic to the Americas, also known as a diaspora. This forced migration was part of the international exchange of foods, diseases, animals, and ideas that marked the era and had a profound influence on the indigenous peoples in various regions.
2. What motivated Portuguese interactions with Africans and how did the Atlantic slave trade develop?
Portuguese ships pushed down the west African coast and finally reached the Cape of Good Hope in 1487. Along the coast, the Portuguese established factories: forts and trading posts with resident merchants. Trade was the basis of Portuguese relations with Africans, but in the wake of commerce followed political, religious, and social relations. Missionary efforts were made to convert the rulers of Benin, Kongo, and other African kingdoms. These first contacts were marked by cultural preconceptions as well as by appreciation and curiosity. Portuguese exploration continued southward toward the Cape of Good Hope and beyond in the 16th century. Although for a long time Portugal’s major interest was in gold, pepper, and other products, a central element in this pattern was the slave trade. Through the slave trade, Portuguese voyages now opened a direct channel to sub-Saharan Africa. The first slaves brought directly to Portugal from Africa arrived in 1441, and after that date slaves became a common trade item.
3. Why did the slave trade expand and what demographic patterns do historians see?
The slave trade expanded for many
Africa and the Africans in the Age of the Atlantic Slave Trade
Part 1
1. Describe the characteristics of the “Atlantic System”.
The Atlantic System was a major catalyst in the growth and development of the Atlantic slave trade, which boosted the world economy significantly. The Atlantic system a link between Africa and the rest of the world. It simply was the destiny that Africans were going to face, being shipped to the Middle East, Europe, and especially across the Atlantic to the Americas, also known as a diaspora. This forced migration was part of the international exchange of foods, diseases, animals, and ideas that marked the era and had a profound influence on the indigenous peoples in various regions.
2. What motivated Portuguese interactions with Africans and how did the Atlantic slave trade develop?
Portuguese ships pushed down the west African coast and finally reached the Cape of Good Hope in 1487. Along the coast, the Portuguese established factories: forts and trading posts with resident merchants. Trade was the basis of Portuguese relations with Africans, but in the wake of commerce followed political, religious, and social relations. Missionary efforts were made to convert the rulers of Benin, Kongo, and other African kingdoms. These first contacts were marked by cultural preconceptions as well as by appreciation and curiosity. Portuguese exploration continued southward toward the Cape of Good Hope and beyond in the 16th century. Although for a long time Portugal’s major interest was in gold, pepper, and other products, a central element in this pattern was the slave trade. Through the slave trade, Portuguese voyages now opened a direct channel to sub-Saharan Africa. The first slaves brought directly to Portugal from Africa arrived in 1441, and after that date slaves became a common trade item.
3. Why did the slave trade expand and what demographic patterns do historians see?
The slave trade expanded for many