A Record of Slave Trade’s Practices and Origin

Slave Trade

Contrary to popular belief, the first slaves weren’t instituted in the United States! In fact, slaves were a worldwide (Old World: Europe, Asia, Africa) issue dating back to at least 5000 years ago in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Slavery may have been even older, possibly 10000 years ago since the dawn of the early modern humans. In addition, most of the slaves weren’t even in the United States! Only 5% went to the colonies, 95% to South/Central America. This practice was slowly dying during the Middle Ages, but thanks to the Age of Exploration, slavery was back in style, just in time for the colonies to get shipped slaves of their own.

Wealthy people contributed much to the slave trade business because owning slaves would let them do less work, earn even more wealth, and have better health. Because the landowners don’t have to work as much, they have more free time to themselves to do more, easier forms of work to earn even more money or just relax and still earn money at the same time while the slaves are working their butts off at no cost. Obviously, owning slaves had no loss to it. In addition, the landowners’ health would stay in better condition because they are saved from doing the back-breaking labor.

If I were in the landowner’s position, it wouldn’t matter either way because I’m not a male, which makes me unable to be as involved in society. Having slaves work for me may help make me wealthier and my life easier, but as a female, I have no right or authority in politics no matter what (if referring to my life 200 years ago). However, I would use the slaves to take care of any household chores and do extra jobs for me. Everyday, I will expect to automatically see my bed made, the laundry done, and a fine meal laid out in front of me for every meal.The slaves could help me with school and repair anything I need fixed. It seems unfair for them to do all my work and not get rewarded, but I can make friends with them so they won’t feel left out.

The quote: “Although all men are born free, slavery has been the general lot of the human race,” by James Madison means that even though everyone is born free, they won’t live free because humans turn on each other, manipulating each other for selfish greed, which has been a part of human nature for a long time. It means that people go back on their own word of worldwide peace and freedom because a lot of groups of human society weren’t living up to their natural rights because of their discrimination.