1450 The Old World Web Analysis

Slavery in Africa and the influence of it on the Old World Web

Slavery is nowadays considered as one of the biggest injustice a person could do to another human being. However, slavery is as old as the human itself. This essay will focus on the development of slavery between 1450 and 1800, specifically in Africa. Slavery in Africa arose, because the possessions of human beings was an indication of wealth. Around 1450 people were in Africa were more scarce then land. So, in contrast to most of the countries, it didn’t matter how much land you possessed; it was about the amount of human beings you owned. (McNeill & McNeill 168) This essay therefore will focus on slavery the 15th, 16th and 17th century and, even more important, the essay
Regarding to Africa, only Mediterranean Africa and the East coast of Africa were part of the Web. From 1450 on, a lot of developments had taken place regarding maritime skills. Because of the increase of navigational and geographical knowledge, some outsiders now dared to explore the hinterlands of Africa. They faced dangerous situations, tropical diseases and unnavigable rivers. Therefore, a lot of them did not survive this journey. (McNeill & McNeill 167) The result was that big parts of East-Africa lagged behind, and still depended on agriculture. However, there were some exceptions. Through the Zamzebi river and the Ethiopian coast, there was little interaction via the Indian Ocean with the Old World Web. This is also the place where we see the first signs of slavery. (McNeill & McNeill
When the slave-trade started to rise more and more, lots of European people decided to move to Africa to profit of the trade. These ‘foreigners’ brought their own language with them, which was often imposed to the African slave traders. Above that, they also expanded their own religion. They proclaimed their ideas and ideals to the habitants, who often got converted. (McNeill & McNeill 171) This expanse of religion also happened because of the growing trade-network. More and more areas got discovered and in those new areas, the Africans as well as the Europeans, came in contact with new cultures. Finally, the slave trade caused a great political impact on Africa. People felt the need to form a vast, stable state. If you didn’t, you were vulnerable and in danger to be enslaved. States often expanded therefore to show off their power. This power was often shown with guns to defend themselves. Militarization was hence also a result of slave trade. (McNeill & McNeill