[Johnj]

Oh Spike the slave trade was well established by the time the United Stated was born. African tribes would raid each other and take prisoners, which would be sold into slavery in the markets of The Barbury Coast. The slavers would buy the slaves for $20 to $50 and pack them into their ships for the trip to the slave markets in America and Europe, or pack trains to the Middle East. The slaves would be sold for several hundred dollars ensuring huge profits, which is why the slavers didn't care if a lot of slaves died during the transit. Most western nations outlawed slavery during the 19th century.