Renaissance and Exploration

Louis XIV

Cardinal Richelieu

Napoleon III

Maximilien Robespierre

They facilitated a swift end to the slave trade through international diplomacy and treaties.

They led to a decline in the use of slave labor due to ethical concerns raised by Enlightenment thinkers.

They increased the demand for slaves to maximize profits from colonial plantations.

They resulted in a more equitable distribution of wealth among African and European nations.

Portugal

Netherlands

England

France

It led to early abolition movements due to ethical concerns over monopolizing colonial economies.

It reduced the number of slaves as European nations focused on self-sufficiency without colonies.

It increased demand for slaves to ensure a profitable system of colonial production and trade.

It shifted focus towards Asian markets, decreasing Atlantic slave trade in favor of indentured servitude.

Growth of democratic institutions

Cultural assimilation with Europe

Significant population decline

Rapid industrialization

19th Century

20th Century

18th Century

17th Century

Mercantilism influenced Spain’s control over enslaved populations as a means primarily aimed at fostering national power through balanced trade.

Physiocracy justified Spanish reliance on African slaves by emphasizing agriculture over mining activities within their economic strategy.

Laissez-faire economic thoughts indirectly promoted an increase in African slave employment due to its stress on minimal state intervention.

Bullionism guided Spain's importation of African slaves aiming at accumulating precious metals through increased colonial production.

King Henry VIII of England, who initiated the English Reformation.

Louis XIV of France, whose reign was marked by absolute monarchy and military campaigns in Europe.

Queen Isabella I of Spain, who sponsored Columbus's voyages leading to the exchange between Europe and Americas.

Frederick II of Prussia, known for his military strategies and enlightened absolutism.

It enabled longer voyages and thus facilitated direct European access to West Africa.

It increased the speed of coastal trading routes, reducing reliance on African intermediaries.

It led to greater European dominance in Asian trade, diverting focus from African slavery.

It allowed for more efficient transport of goods within Europe, lessening interest in overseas expeditions.

In 1820

In 1807

In 1863

In 1888