Trade has always been seen as one of the main circumstances determining the desire of Europeans to explore new lands and resources. Hence, in the Atlantic world, it was also a significant factor, contributing not only to the well-being of the affected populations in Europe but also to the growth of slavery in the region. This consequence was mainly conditional upon their interest in sugar, as the establishment of plantations required more human labor.
The development of slavery during the times of the Trans-Atlantic trade seemed an inevitable outcome of these explorations. Europeans usually brought Africans from the West and Central African coasts, and the resulting agricultural system could not function properly without their participation (“Plantations and the Trans-Atlantic trade,” n.d.). In turn, the popularity of sugar, which was included in alcoholic beverages and substituted honey as the only sweetener, was sufficient for the farmers to receive more slaves through trade (“Plantations and the Trans-Atlantic trade,” n.d.). In addition, the need to access tropical lands was another condition that promoted the development of slavery on the continent (“Plantations and the Trans-Atlantic trade,” n.d.). Hence, the significance of the European interest in sugar for strengthening this institution is supported by historical evidence.
To summarize, the main reasons why African slaves were acquired in greater numbers than ever before after the establishment of sugarcane farms were their favorable location and the need of human labor. The scarcity of resources which would have been sufficient for addressing this gap between the needs of European explorers and their amounts, could not be otherwise resolved. As a result, their focus on this product clearly served as the principal factor contributing to the growth of slavery.
Reference
Plantations and the Trans-Atlantic trade. (n.d.). Lowcountry Digital History Initiative.