Capitalism and end of slavery - Research Paper Example

These were some of the factors that led to beginning of capitalism. Capitalism started spreading in chronological order over Portugal, Spain, Holland, England and France. The protectionist system, modern mode of taxation and national debt were embraced in England at the end of 17 century (Max 667). The states were at the process of transformation from Feudal production mode to capitalism mode and to make the transition shorter. The colonial system took revenge on pious pilgrim father’s descendants some decades later.

Capitalism and end of slavery It was the beginning of the 15th century that Europeans started to buy slaves from Africa especially West Africa and East Africa. During this time, slave trade became the central to the economy of several African states such as the Ashanti people. This threatened many Africans, which enslavement, however; Africans saw this as a profitable business, for instance, the King of Ashanti. Millions of Africans were bought to work in European countries.1 Slave trade continued for many decades.

In 1685, Louis XIV started regulating slavery in the colonies. However, it was during the 18 century, when laws regulating slaved trade were enacted in America (John & Alfred 72). In many African societies slaves were treated as property while others as dependants, therefore, people had the right to trade them for goods. When slaves were bought, they were taken to the owners countries where they worked as laborers or joined the military. Many of the African slaves were purchased to perform domestic labor or do menial work.

Other people also bought slaves to enhance their status in the society. The slave trade between America and Africa was referred to as triangular trade since it involved three stages. The Outward passage was the first stage where alcohol, guns and iron bars were moved from Europe to West Africa. The second passage was the Middle Passage where slaves were exchanged for Europeans goods (Eric 30). The third was the inward passage comprised of the journey passage. In most areas, early slavery resulted from warring communities taking captives.

The slaves were sold since they were of little use and in many cases a bother when kept at home hence sold and taken to Europe. Arthur Wendover recounts his visit to the Slave Coast in 1962. He explains that people in the Slave Coast were trustworthy since goods are left ashore with no one watch them and no one stole any thing. He also adds that people never go to the sea since their rivers were large and had enough fish to feed them. This shows that the place had an abundant supply of food. Arthur states that the Slave Coast was the chief market for slaves (Robin 232).

The Phidalgoe was the man with whom the slave trade was conducted. He is described as a good man and lived in splendor. Cappusheers who also lived in Slave Coast, on the other hand, are defined as people who were laborious, good and honest. They were mainly builders and did not trouble anybody as they did not come within the Kings Court (Alison & Adam 203). This is unlike the Guidah who were thieves and were troublesome to their King. The ship that goes to Guidah ran a risk of being robbed of both slaves and goods.

The slave traders were not secure as their goods would be stolen when they took some routes. The rates given for slaves was exceedingly little. For instance, in Appa slaves were exchanged for 1 piece green silk containing 37 and a quarter yards for