Capture

In many African cultures, individuals could be enslaved for committing any number of crimes (from witchcraft to burglary).

However, most slaves were captured as a result of warfare, caused either by the demand for slaves or by other conflict between cultures.

Slaves traded for guns, powder, and luxury goods brought wealth and prestige to those who pursued the trade successfully.

 

However, the long-term effect of the trade was disastrous for all.  Ultimately, you can not build a stable society on the basis of trading in slaves.

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