The Slave Trade in Africa: An Ongoing Holocaust

The trans-Atlantic slave trade was not imposed upon Africa by Europeans, but was an integral part of many cultures. Despite efforts by the British to suppress it, societies saw no reason to give up the trade, and it continues to this day. This book provides a vital corrective to the popularly accepted view of the matter.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 06 March 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The trans-Atlantic slave trade, a topic of much recent discussion, would have been impossible without the willing and enthusiastic cooperation of African leaders. Slavery was a prevalent practice in Africa long before the arrival of Europeans, with the trade in black slaves, transported from Africa to America and the islands of the Caribbean, aided by African traders who benefited from the arrangement. Despite the outlawing of slavery and the slave trade by Europe and America, many African societies clung tenaciously to their old ways and refused to relinquish what was, to them, a time-honored custom. This persistence of slavery in Africa is a testament to the enduring impact of this historical phenomenon.

In his book, Simon Webb delves into the history of slavery in Africa and challenges the widely held belief that it was solely imposed upon the continent by Europeans. Webb argues that slavery was an integral part of many, perhaps most, cultures in Africa. Even when the British deployed their army and navy to suppress the trade in slaves during the nineteenth century, their efforts were largely ineffectual because many societies saw no reason to give up such an old, useful, and profitable system.

This book provides a vital corrective to the popularly accepted view of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It offers a fresh perspective on the subject, challenging readers to view slavery and the slave trade in a different light. By examining the historical context and cultural significance of slavery in Africa, Webb provides a deeper understanding of this complex and controversial issue.

In conclusion, the trans-Atlantic slave trade was a significant chapter in human history, shaped by the cooperation of African leaders and the enduring cultural practices of African societies. Simon Webb's book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this period, challenging our assumptions and providing a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of slavery in Africa.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 241 x 166 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399094078