Evaluate the economic and social impact of the Atlantic slave trade in Africa.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the Atlantic slave trade in Africa weighing up the importance of the economic and social impact. Consequences may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may evaluate demographic effects and population imbalance, or they may focus on social disruption due to separation of enslaved Africans from their families and the preference for young males in Atlantic trade. Candidates may refer to the effects on the production of food and everyday goods, where agriculture was neglected and the slave trade was prioritized as the most important activity. They may also refer to the long-term legacy of rivalry and warfare between ethnic groups in West Africa due to slaving raids, or to the economic benefits which accrued to those African groups responsible for carrying out the raids and engaging in trade with the Europeans. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the development of racism, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question on the Atlantic slave trade was very poorly done. Candidates had limited knowledge or ignored the demands of the question and discussed effects in Europe or Americas not Africa as required.