The Atlantic Slave Trade

This lecture covers the history of the Atlantic Slave Trade, which began around 1500 with Portuguese merchants transporting African slaves to the Americas. It expanded after 1600 with the involvement of Dutch, English, and French merchants. The distinctive aspects of Atlantic slavery, the abolition of the slave trade, and the transition to free and indentured labor are discussed. The lecture also explores the rise of indenture and contract labor, particularly among Chinese and Indian migrants, and the concept of modern guest-worker programs.