Hidden truth about slavery

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Slavery in colonial America and the United States of America spanned 246 years; a mere scintilla of human history. Slavery existed for countless millennia. Where humans existed, slavery nearly always existed as well. The absurd notion that Europeans were the progenitors and propagators of slavery defies history. What's more, the idea that white Americans are advocates of slavery smacks of intentional dishonesty and anti-white racism.

Global Prevalence and History of Slavery

Slavery has been a universal institution for thousands of years, present in various forms across different cultures and continents. It is not unique to any single race or region but has been a global phenomenon with profound and lasting impacts. Here are some key points:

Ancient Civilizations: Slavery was prevalent in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The Code of Hammurabi, for instance, included laws regulating the treatment of slaves, indicating its institutionalized nature ¹.
European Slavery: In Europe, slavery was common during the Roman Empire and continued in various forms throughout the Middle Ages. The Vikings, for example, engaged in slave raids across Europe, including Ireland, where they took slaves back to Scotland and Iceland ^2,1.
Africa and the Arab World: The Arab slave trade, which included the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean slave trades, spanned over a thousand years and enslaved millions of Africans. This trade was largely based on racial and religious grounds, with non-Muslims being primary targets ².
Americas: In the Americas, slavery was established with European colonization. The transatlantic slave trade, which involved the forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas, is one of the most well-documented and horrifying examples of slavery. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, approximately 12-15 million Africans were brought to the New World, with around 10 million surviving the journey. Of these, about 450,000 were taken to the British, French, and Spanish colonies in what is now the United States and the Caribbean, while Brazil received nearly 5 million ^1,2,3.

Chattel Slavery

Chattel slavery, as defined, involves the enslaving and owning of human beings and their offspring as property, able to be bought, sold, and forced to work without wages. This form of slavery was prevalent in many societies:

Roman Empire: Romans used slaves for agricultural labor, domestic work, and even entertainment, such as gladiatorial games. Slaves were often captured during wars or purchased from slave markets ¹.
United States: In the U.S., chattel slavery was a cornerstone of the economy, particularly in the South. The institution was justified through various means, including religious and economic arguments. The legacy of this form of slavery continues to impact American society today ^3,5.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman slave trade was one of the largest and most brutal. Slaves were used for various purposes, including labor, military service, and sexual slavery. The Janissary corps, for example, was composed of enslaved soldiers who were converted to Islam and trained for military service ².

Comparative Analysis

Comparing different slave trades and systems:

Transatlantic Slave Trade vs. Arab Slave Trade: The transatlantic slave trade, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century, enslaved an estimated 12-15 million Africans. The Arab slave trade, on the other hand, lasted much longer, from the 7th to the 20th century, and enslaved tens of millions more. The Arab slave trade also had a more profound impact on the demographics of Africa and the Middle East ².
European Slavery: Europeans enslaved not only Africans but also other Europeans, particularly Slavs, who were targeted by various empires, including the Roman and Ottoman Empires. The term "slave" is even derived from "Slav," reflecting the prevalence of Slavic enslavement ².

Irish Slavery

The Irish experience with slavery is also significant:

Viking Raids: The Vikings began raiding Ireland in the 9th century, taking slaves back to Scotland and Iceland. These raids continued intermittently until the 11th century, when the Normans invaded and ended the practice of slavery in Ireland ².
British Rule: During the 17th and 18th centuries, tens of thousands of Irish were sold as slaves to the Americas, particularly to the Caribbean and North America. They were often treated similarly to African slaves, working on plantations and in domestic service. The Irish were also used as indentured servants, but many were effectively slaves, forced into labor without the option of leaving ².

Legacy and Reparations

The legacy of slavery continues to affect modern societies:

Economic and Social Impact: Slavery has left deep economic and social scars, including wealth disparities, racial tensions, and cultural divisions. The fight for reparations is ongoing in many countries, including the United States, where descendants of enslaved Africans are seeking compensation for the historical wrongs ^3,6.
Modern Slavery: Despite abolition, slavery continues in various forms today, including human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation. Estimates suggest that there are around 40-50 million people living in modern slavery worldwide ^7,8.

Conclusion

Slavery is a complex and multifaceted institution that has taken many forms throughout history. It is not unique to any single culture or region but has been a global phenomenon with profound and lasting impacts. Understanding the history of slavery helps us recognize its modern forms and work towards a more just and equitable world.

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