Rodney also notes that millions of slaves were taken from Africa. The Europeans did not simply show up to find them all waiting on the shores. Africa had no need for this huge amount of slave labor, but the new colonies did, which is why they traded in slaves and not gold. Some African states that did enslave other groups, even before the Europeans, didn’t necessarily use them as labor but would integrate them as citizens.
See my comment here.
Rodney also notes that millions of slaves were taken from Africa. The Europeans did not simply show up to find them all waiting on the shores. Africa had no need for this huge amount of slave labor, but the new colonies did, which is why they traded in slaves and not gold. Some African states that did enslave other groups, even before the Europeans, didn’t necessarily use them as labor but would integrate them as citizens.
Thanks a lot! I’ve heard Rodney’s book mentioned before, so I’ll definitely check it out.