African Slaves in Europe During the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The transatlantic slave trade was a complex and often contentious topic in history. While it is well documented that the majority of African slaves were transported to the Americas, it is less widely known that some African slaves did find themselves in Europe, albeit in smaller quantities. This article will explore the various European countries involved in the transatlantic slave trade and the number of African slaves they brought to their shores.

Overview of European Involvement in the Slave Trade

The primary aspect of the 'Triangle Trade' was the exchange and addition of value at each leg of the journey. Merchant ships departed from Europe, carrying goods such as guns, cloths, and other materials to Africa. They traded these goods for slaves, who were then sent to the Americas. These slaves were sold for raw materials like sugar and molasses, which were then transported back to Europe for sale at substantial profits.

While lucrative, the use of slave labor was relatively less prevalent in Europe compared to the Americas. However, certain European countries, particularly Portugal and Spain, did participate in the transatlantic slave trade, albeit on a smaller scale.

Portugal and Spain

Portugal, one of the earliest colonial powers involved in the slave trade, established forts along the West African coast starting in 1441. Portugal captured 12 Africans in Cabo Branco (modern Mauritania) and brought them to Portugal as slaves. Spanish involvement began in the 1400s with Carlos de Valera bringing 400 slaves back from Africa to Spain in 1476. Other Spanish and Portuguese traders soon followed suit, transporting slaves directly to the Americas.

European Countries and Their Involvement

Denmark

Denmark, while not heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade, did import a small number of African slaves. In the 18th century, only a handful of African slaves were brought to Denmark, one of whom was Hans Jonathan. Hans Jonathan and Peter Samuel were runaway slaves who fought for Denmark against the English at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807. In their quest for freedom, they attempted to join the navy, but the court ruled that they were property of their masters, despite there being no slavery in Denmark proper. Hans Jonathan eventually fled to Iceland and built a family there.

England, France, and the Netherlands

England, France, and the Netherlands also saw European ports of call for slave ships. England's main ports included London, Bristol, Liverpool, Plymouth, Exeter, Bridport, Chester, and Poulton. France had several ports, such as Nantes, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, and Le Havre. Spain had ports like Seville, Cadiz, and Barcelona, while Portugal's primary port was Lisbon. The Netherlands had Amsterdam, Middelburg, Flushing, and Rotterdam.

In the case of Britain, wealthy landowners and naval officers often brought domestic servants from their colonies in the Americas. These servants could be either from the British colonies in the present-day United States or directly from Africa. Maps depicting properties tied to the slave trade in Great Britain can be found, and currently, the LBS database contains 3672 addresses linked to 3707 individuals.

Impact and Legacy

Although the numbers of African slaves in Europe were small compared to those in the Americas, their presence had significant implications. The transatlantic slave trade brought about a flow of money and materials between Europe, slave posts in Africa, and the colonies in the Americas. This interdependence highlights the interconnectedness of global trade and the lasting impact of the slave trade.

Conclusion

The transatlantic slave trade was a global phenomenon that involved countless individuals and countries. While the majority of slaves were sent to the Americas, some African slaves were brought to various European countries. Countries such as Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands were all involved to varying degrees. Understanding this smaller but still significant aspect of the transatlantic slave trade is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and lasting effects of the slave trade.

References

Slavery Timeline 1400-1500

The Presence of Black African Women in the Slave System of Cadiz 1650-1750

Ports of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

African Images in the Renaissance at Princeton University Art Museum

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The First Black Britons

Legacies of British Slave-ownership