What methods did slave traders use to capture and transport slaves?

Slave traders used methods such as raids, wars, and deceit to capture slaves, who were then transported via the infamous 'Middle Passage'.

Slave traders, both African and European, employed a variety of methods to capture slaves. One of the most common was through raids on villages and communities. These raids were often violent and brutal, with the traders attacking unsuspecting communities, capturing as many people as they could, and then retreating before any form of organised resistance could be mounted.

Another method was through warfare. Many African societies were in a constant state of conflict with each other, and prisoners of war were often sold into slavery. In some cases, wars were even instigated for the sole purpose of capturing slaves. This was particularly prevalent in the Kingdom of Dahomey, which was known for its aggressive expansionist policies and its use of slavery as a means of financing its wars.

Deceit was also used to capture slaves. Traders would often lure individuals with promises of employment or better living conditions, only to enslave them once they were isolated from their communities. In some cases, individuals were kidnapped while they were alone or in small groups, making it easier for the traders to overpower them.

Once captured, the slaves were transported to the coast, where they were sold to European traders. They were then packed into ships for the infamous 'Middle Passage' - the journey across the Atlantic to the Americas. Conditions on these ships were horrific, with slaves packed tightly into the hold, often with little room to move or even breathe. Disease was rampant, and mortality rates were high. The journey could take anywhere from one to six months, depending on the weather and the route taken by the ship.

The transportation of slaves was a highly organised and profitable business. The traders would often cram as many slaves as possible into their ships in order to maximise their profits, with little regard for the welfare of the slaves. This led to the horrific conditions on the ships, which were often little more than floating prisons. Despite the high mortality rates, the trade was so profitable that the loss of life was considered an acceptable cost by the traders.