“The most important reasons for the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade were rivalries and warfare between African states.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the most important reasons for the expansion of the Atlantic slave trade were rivalries and warfare between African states. Reasons may predate the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the warfare that contributed to the demise of powerful states such as the Songhai Empire before the arrival of Europeans, which made it easier for slavers to establish a coastal presence. They may stress how some groups took advantage of rivals by working with slavers, who provided them with firearms. Candidates may point out that rivalry had led to an existing slave trade in the region, a factor which facilitated the development of the Atlantic trade. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example technological developments and the impact of plantation agriculture in the Americas, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.