Which region of Africa was a major departure zone for enslaved Africans during the Transatlantic Slave Trade to the United States?

The choice of West Africa as the major departure zone for enslaved Africans during the Transatlantic Slave Trade is supported by significant historical evidence. This region was a primary source of enslaved people due to several factors, including the presence of established trade networks and the involvement of various European powers in the slave trade, particularly the British, Spaniards, and Portuguese.

West Africa's coastal areas, such as modern-day Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, and Nigeria, were key locations where enslaved individuals were captured, often through warfare or kidnapping, and then transported on slave ships across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. This area was characterized by a dense population and established societies, making it a target for enslavement.

While East Africa, North Africa, and South Africa did have their forms of slavery and involvement in the broader practices of the time, their roles were significantly smaller in the context of the Transatlantic Slave Trade specifically directed toward the United States. The historical focus on the West African coast in trade documentation and records of shipping routes further solidifies its prominence in the slave trade, particularly from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the broader implications of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and