The Economics of the Indian Ocean Slave Trade in the Nineteenth Century

Edited by William Gervase & Clarence-Smith

Significant Slave Trade: Over a million slaves were exported from Indian Ocean and Red Sea ports in Eastern Africa during the 19th century, with millions more moved within the continent.

Economic Impact: The slave trade expanded significantly in the 19th century, driven by demand for labor in the western Indian Ocean and improved maritime security.

Diverse Uses: Slaves were used in various roles, including laborers, concubines, eunuchs, and administrators, with significant numbers employed in agriculture, urban economies, and domestic roles.

Regional Variations: The nature and scale of slavery varied across regions, with some areas like Zanzibar and Pemba having plantation systems similar to the New World, while others had more subsistence-based servitude.

Frank Cass & Co Ltd., 1989, 222 pages