A prevalent connection between guns, warfare and the slave trade existed during the 18th century, and it is highlighted in two significant works, “Guns for Slaves” by Inikori and “Warfare & Slavery” by Thornton. Both works showed the relationships between the Europeans and West Africans during slavery. Slavery was an essential part of American history and the root of slavery and the slave trade has always been a topic of debate. Thus, the two works show the role of weapons in the slave trade, and how it affected warfare. Inikori argues that the purchase of weapons from Europeans only heightened the prevalence of wars among West African states, while Thornton argues differently, stating that the Europeans were not a decisive factor in African warfare and slavery. Essentially, there is a clear link between slavery and weaponry, which further perpetuated wars between West African states.
Inikori argued that the import of firearms into West Africa only perpetuated warfare. The need for greater, more effective weaponry led many Africans to sell slaves during the slave trade. Thus, as slave-gathering states became larger, it provoked wars against other states, which forced many Africans to purchase firearms in order to defend themselves. According to Inikori, between 1796 and 1805, there were a total of 1,615,309 guns imported into West Africa from England (p. 46). Thus, this shows the necessity of weaponry in the West African territory. This redundant cycle of slave trading and wars showed the growing need for weaponry in West Africa. Thus, Inikori asserts that as a result of the importation of weapons, slave-gathering states increased and more wars came to surface.
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Furthermore, the evolving importation of guns only increased the need for slavery within West Africa. The only way that Africans could afford the advanced weaponry was to trade slaves to the Europeans. Thus, the increasing need to obtain the slaves provoked an even greater need for weapons for self-defense. The cycle of slavery and weapons was growing fast in many West African states due to the trade between West Africans and Europeans. Thus, this shows how the pressing need for high tech weapons only exacerbated the need for the slave trade in order to acquire more weapons. This need was extremely prevalent in West African states as slave-gathering became even more popular, and it became imperative for other Africans to defend themselves against slave-gathering states.
On the other hand, Thornton contended that the Europeans did not have a decisive part in the warfare among African states. He argued that Africans had an established slave trade and slavery in effect prior to European arrival. Many slaves were captured during wars in Africa, which helped to expand states and increase wealth. Thus, the Africans were not concerned with land ownership, but he contended that wars and slavery were an integral part of West African society in order to increase the number of people to help in different areas including armies. Many Europeans offered more advanced technology, which aided in more effective weaponry such as longer shooting range and penetrating power. However, Thornton argues that the new missile weapons were not effective because of the slow gun fire. He further asserts that Europeans were no more than “military experts” or “advisors” to West Africans. Ultimately, Thornton’s argument contends that Europeans were not instrumental in warfare and slavery because African wars were an essential part of the expansion and power needs of their leaders prior to the arrival and trade with Europeans.
Essentially, after in-depth review and reading of the two works, I agree with Inikori’s thesis and perspective on war and slavery. The slave trade was the vehicle that aided in the buying of firearms, which only increased the likelihood of war among states in West Africa. As slave-gathering states expanded, the need for more protection became a growing necessity, which only intensified and perpetuated wars among people. Also, the advanced technology and missile weapons that the Europeans offered helped to aid in wars. Overall, there is a prevalent distinction between the slave trade, guns and the ongoing presence of war within West African states.
- Inikori, Joseph E. “Guns for Slaves.” Journal of African History, 18.3 (1977): 340-362. Reprinted by permission of Cambridge University Press.
- Thornton, John. “Warfare & Slavery.” Cambridge University Press
