This is a university level survey course in the history of the African slave trade and a case study of the kingdom of Dahomey from 1700 to 1900 and its connection to the slave trade.
This course uses my book A Trickle to a Torrent: A History of the Kingdom of Dahomey and focuses on the economic, social and political history that led to the rise and fall of Dahomey and its economy.
Students will examine and discuss the following themes:
Dr. Eric Williams and Capitalism and Slavery
Economics of slavery and the slave trade
Goods from Europe and the economic impact on African industry
Kingship and polity in West Africa
Abolition of the slave trade and its impact on Dahomey
Historigraphy of Dahomey and the slave trade
This course involves directed readings from A Trickle to a Torrent and other sources which will be emailed to students upon booking. Classes will discuss readings and conclusions.
Teachers of history, social sciences and economics will find this course of great value. The emphasis is on the economics of the slave trade and offers insights into the development of European capitalism and the underdevelopment of Africa.
