“Rivalries and warfare between African states were the main causes of the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade was mainly caused by rivalries and warfare between African states. They may consider the argument that rivalry and warfare debilitated African societies and left them vulnerable the incursions of slavers. It also encouraged some states to take part in expeditions at the expense of rivals. Candidates may point out that this was not the only reason why African states became involved, as many derived commercial benefit from selling slaves to Europeans or exchanging them for manufactured goods and firearms. They may also argue that many of the causes can be found outside of Africa—most notably in the increased demand for slave labour in the sugar and cotton plantations of the Americas.