Christian vs Muslim World Slave Trades - Forgotten History

Introduction

This tutorial explores the history of the Christian and Muslim world slave trades, highlighting their origins, practices, and eventual decline. Understanding these historical narratives is crucial for recognizing the complex legacy of slavery and its impacts on modern society.

Step 1: Understand the Origins of the Slave Trades

• The Transatlantic Slave Trade began in the late 15th century with Portuguese expeditions.
• Key figures:
  • Prince Henry the Navigator and King John I of Portugal initiated early slave trading expeditions.
  • Nuno Tristao and Antao Goncalves captured Africans and returned them to Portugal, establishing a slave trade network.
• The Portuguese economy benefited from the trade, which expanded their empire.

Step 2: Explore the Expansion of the Slave Trades

• The Spanish followed, launching their slave trade for South American colonies by the 1530s.
• The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided territories between Spain and Portugal, facilitating slave trade expansion.
• As European empires grew, the English, French, and Dutch initiated their own slave trades in the Americas, fueled by the demand for labor.

Step 3: Examine the Social and Philosophical Changes

• The Enlightenment period inspired philosophical discussions about morality and slavery, influencing public opinion.
• Key milestones:
  • The U.S. banned the importation of slaves in 1804, effective in 1808.
  • The British Slave Trade Act of 1807 made purchasing slaves from Africa illegal.
• Various nations gradually abolished slavery through the 19th century, influenced by social pressures and moral considerations.

Step 4: Analyze the Longevity of the Muslim Slave Trade

• The Muslim slave trade began long before the European slave trade and lasted over 1,400 years.
• Slavery was integrated into Islamic law and culture, with significant practices established during the Abbasid Caliphate (750-950 AD).
• Key points:
  • Non-Muslims were primarily enslaved; Muslim enslavement was against Islamic Law.
  • The Umayyads raided the Byzantine Empire, contributing to the slave trade.
  • Slave revolts, such as the Zanj Rebellion (1869-1883), highlighted the brutal conditions faced by slaves.

Step 5: Recognize the Decline of Slavery in Different Regions

• Various Muslim nations abolished slavery at different times:
  • Zanzibar (1909), Morocco (1922), Turkey (1924), Iran and Jordan (1929), and Saudi Arabia (1962).
  • Mauritania was the last to abolish slavery in 1981.
• The decline of slavery in the Muslim world was influenced by international pressures rather than internal moral movements.

Step 6: Understand the Modern Implications

• Despite the historical abolition of slavery, human trafficking persists in regions like Libya and Sudan.
• Extremist groups, such as ISIS, continue to exploit vulnerable populations in lawless areas.

Conclusion

The histories of the Christian and Muslim slave trades reveal the complexities of human exploitation across centuries. By understanding these narratives, we gain insight into the enduring impacts of slavery and the importance of continuing to fight against modern forms of human trafficking. Consider exploring related topics to deepen your understanding of these historical contexts.