Harrison Malec

Mr. Mongirdas
African Studies
2 April 2015

Should reparations be available for those African nations directly impacted by the slave
trade?

I believe that the countries which had an impact on the African slave trade should make
reparations available to the African countries which they affected. The Portuguese were
some of the first of the Europeans to arrive on the western shores of the African
continent. They made use of their advanced technology to enslave the weaker tribes, and
coerced corrupt chieftains to trade their strongest males for some luxuries and guns.
More industrialized European powers began to get directly involved in the trade of
African Slaves, so the demand began to increase. The tribal leaders being paid by the
Europeans began to use their superior weaponry against their against own men, inciting
civil wars throughout their boundaries. This process of slave trading went on for
centuries, and the impacts of this exploitation are visible today. I dont believe aid in the
form of a large monetary sum would improve the situation. I dont believe this would be
a useful way to make reparations. Firstly, I believe that making a large sum of money
available to any government would lead to corruption and unwarranted spending.
Secondly, I believe that the aid would be used ineffectively. I dont believe it would be

used to create a solid foundation from which the African countries could industrialize
and produce nearly to the same extent as other leading manufacturers. If reparations
were made by the Europeans in the form of infrastructure for the African countries I
believe this would establish a good environment where their economies and industry
could flourish.