Question

which country played the biggest role at the beginning of the atlantic slave trade?

a.) portugal
b.) spain
c.) holland
d.) england

Explanation:

Identify the historical context

Using the Atlantic Slave Trade Origins knowledge point

During the 15th century, Portuguese explorers initiated the Atlantic slave trade by capturing and purchasing enslaved Africans along the West African coast, establishing the first transatlantic routes to supply labor for their Atlantic island sugar plantations and later Brazil.

Evaluate the options

Using the Atlantic Slave Trade Origins knowledge point

• Portugal: Initiated the trade in the mid-1400s and dominated its early stages.
• Spain: Entered shortly after but relied heavily on Portuguese contracts (asiento) initially.
• Holland: Became a major player later in the 17th century.
• England: Dominated the trade much later, during the 18th century.

Answer:

• a.) Portugal (Correct answer)
• b.) Spain
• c.) Holland
• d.) England