How did slaves become slaves?

Answer 1

Slavery is as old as civilization itself. However, the enslavement of African Americans was probably the worst incident of slavery in human history, mostly because it was justified by racism. At first, Europeans that conquered the Americas enslaved native people that were conquered, which was the traditional kind of enslavement. But Native American slaves usually either rebelled or died as slaves, so they needed another labor force. Thus started the African slave trade, which utilized an existing tradition between warring tribes there. The importation of slaves into the southern US established a ready supply of cheap labor for agricultural development. Later this came into conflict with human rights delineated under the US Constitution, and many pressed for its elimination (especially in the northern non-slave states).

It should be remembered that slavery is a very old institution. Wrong, but old. Far larger cases of enslavement have occurred over the centuries. The Jewish people are one example. Today, slavery is still employed by black people in Africa. It is not a color issue or racist issue. The real issue is greed and lack of morals. Any group of people can become greedy and lose morals.

The African Connection

As to why black people more prominently figured in slavery, there were many races used in that manner. Rome enslaved many of the Aegeans, and Caucasian criminals were used for labor in Spain and France. However, African blacks were particularly prized for strength and stamina, and they were readily available. Slaves became slaves because they were prisoners of war. Slave traders did not have to land in Africa and raid villages. The lands have always been involved in tribal conflict and warfare, and the slave trade was profitable for African war chiefs and the traders alike. At first, it was African prisoners of war whose villages were raided, with captives marched as much as 100 miles to the coast by the victors. Then raiding parties formed of African groups that saw the profit of slave trading, and sought out weaker tribes and villages to overtake and profit from.

Answer 2

Answer:It all started with the first settlers in America (In Europe's eyes.)White men found different people in different places.What people say today is not true White men didnt just snatch black people out of their houses and took them as their slaves.Many blacks were sold or traded by their own people.

Answer 3

It would depend on what time period you are talking about.

in most ancient cultures (such as Egypt, Assyria, Rome and the Greek city states) prisoners of war from defeated countries became slaves. Yet in others (like Rome or ancient Israel) you could also become a slave if you had fallen into debt. In some cases a person would voluntarily go into slavery to avoid poverty or to pay off a debt. It's complicated. Most commonly though they were born slaves, from a slave mother (normally)

Answer 4

It would depend on what time period you are talking about.

in most ancient cultures (such as Egypt, Assyria, Rome and the Greek city states) prisoners of war from defeated countries became slaves. Yet in others (like Rome or ancient Israel) you could also become a slave if you had fallen into debt. In some cases a person would voluntarily go into slavery to avoid poverty or to pay off a debt. It's complicated. Most comonly though they were born slaves, from a slave mother (normally)

Answer 5

I wish it were as simple as assigning blame of American slavery to Africans only. I have not seen documentation where and how this occurred. Without citing such documentation, that previous answer sounds tainted with hate and bitterness It sounds like someone expressing anger without taking responsibility for it.

Answer 6

the slaves got kidnapped even when they were young :P

Answer 7

• by being captured or were born as a orphan and became a slave

Answer 8

Historically, more powerful civilizations made slaves of weaker people. Since the Europeans had muskets and cannons; they were easily able to overpower the Africans who only had spears.

Answer 9

White people thought that their color was dominant than the colored/black's race.