• History -> History of Asia and Africa

• 0 Comment

How did slave trade contribute to the development of major African and Asian cities?

Eithel Stallybrass

The slave trade played a significant role in the development of major African and Asian cities. The trade involved the transportation of millions of Africans from their home countries to different parts of the world, with most of them ending up in Europe and America.

As the slave trade flourished, European traders established trading ports along the African and Asian coastlines. These ports soon developed into major cities, thanks to the trade which saw the exchange of goods and slaves across different cultures. The cities grew as a result of the slave trade network, with Africans and Asians working together to sustain the thriving industry.

Many of the major African and Asian cities grew around the trading ports. In Africa, cities such as Lagos, Accra, and Luanda developed significantly due to the slave trade. In Asia, the slave trade contributed to the growth of cities such as Calcutta, Bombay, and Jakarta, among others.

The slave trade brought about the growth of many industries in these cities. For example, the slaves were used as laborers in the booming agricultural industry. They worked on plantations, where they were responsible for producing cash crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugar. These crops later became important commodities in the international trade system.

The slave trade also led to the growth of the textile industry in Asia. The industry relied on the production of raw materials such as cotton and silk which were produced by the slaves. The development of the textile industry in these cities not only brought wealth to those involved in the trade but also saw the development of new skills, including weaving, embroidery, and textile printing.

The slave trade also brought with it new technologies, particularly in the shipping industry. The European traders needed good and reliable transport systems to move slaves and goods across the globe. This led to the development of better ships, which were not only used for the slave trade but also for the trading of other commodities such as spices and precious metals.

In conclusion, the slave trade played a crucial role in the development of major African and Asian cities. The trade brought about economic development, technological advancement, and cultural exchange among different peoples, leading to the growth of urban areas. It is important to note, however, that the slave trade also brought about a lot of suffering, both for the enslaved and the enslavers. As such, it is crucial that we acknowledge the negative consequences of the slave trade while recognizing its role in the development of major cities.