Atlantic slave trade

The Atlantic slave trade involved slave traders transporting enslaved African people to the Americas by ships from Europe and the New World. Beginning in the 16th century, it lasted through the 19th century. Enslaved people were sold for work in plantations, mines, construction, skilled labour and domestic service. About 12.75 million Africans were loaded onto ships, and up to 2 million died during the voyage. Governments began banning the trade near the start of the 19th century, though illegal smuggling continued.

Period

From the 16th through the 19th century

Estimated people loaded onto ships

About 12.75 million Africans

Major trading nations

Portugal, Britain, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United States and Denmark