“The expansion of the East African slave trade was simply an extension of existing practices.” Discuss.

Candidates will offer a considered review of the statement that the expansion of the East African slave trade was simply an extension of existing practices. They may agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may suggest that traditional trade in slaves and commodities such as ivory and spices between peoples in the region established trade links and laid the foundation for the later slave trade between East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. They may demonstrate an understanding of which features were carried forward from existing practices and which were new developments. Other contributory factors to the expansion of the East African slave trade, such as the role of the Sultanate of Oman and British decision to ban slavery which led to closure of West African slave markets, may be referred to.