Exam 14: New Encounters: The Creation of a World Market

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Before the sixteenth century, slavery in Africa was a common practice that was deeply rooted in the social, economic, and political structures of many African societies. Slavery in pre-sixteenth century Africa was often a result of warfare, where captives were taken as slaves as a way to expand labor forces or to gain wealth and power. Slaves in African societies before the arrival of Europeans were often integrated into the community and had some rights and opportunities for social mobility. They could marry, own property, and even achieve positions of power within their communities.

After the arrival of the Europeans, African slavery took on a new and more brutal form. The transatlantic slave trade, which began in the sixteenth century, led to the mass kidnapping and forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas to work on plantations. This form of slavery was characterized by extreme exploitation, dehumanization, and the complete loss of freedom and rights for the enslaved individuals. The transatlantic slave trade also had a devastating impact on African societies, leading to widespread violence, disruption of traditional social structures, and the depopulation of certain regions.

Despite these differences, there are some continuities in the practice of slavery in Africa before and after the arrival of the Europeans. Slavery continued to be used as a means of labor exploitation and as a tool for social and political advancement. Additionally, the dehumanization and exploitation of enslaved individuals remained a common feature of African slavery both before and after the arrival of the Europeans.

In conclusion, while there are significant differences in the nature and impact of slavery in Africa before and after the arrival of the Europeans, there are also some continuities in the underlying motivations and treatment of enslaved individuals. The transatlantic slave trade brought about a new and more brutal form of slavery that had far-reaching consequences for African societies, but it also built upon and perpetuated existing practices of slavery in the region.

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Bartolomé de Las Casas was a 16th-century Spanish historian, social reformer, and Dominican friar who is best known for his efforts to protect the indigenous peoples of the Americas. He is considered one of the first advocates for human rights and is often referred to as the "Defender of the Indians."

Las Casas is historically significant for his role in documenting and exposing the mistreatment and exploitation of indigenous peoples by Spanish colonizers. His writings, including "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies," brought attention to the atrocities committed against the native populations and helped to shape early European perceptions of the New World.

In addition to his writings, Las Casas also lobbied for legal reforms and advocated for the rights of indigenous peoples before the Spanish Crown. His efforts led to the passage of the New Laws of 1542, which aimed to protect the rights of indigenous populations in the Spanish colonies.

Overall, Bartolomé de Las Casas played a crucial role in raising awareness about the plight of indigenous peoples in the Americas and advocating for their rights, making him a significant figure in the history of human rights and colonialism.