Lecture Notes: Forgotten History on Slavery

Introduction

• Presenter: Colin Heaton
• Background: Veteran of the United States Army and Marine Corps, former history professor, and author.
• Topic Overview: Slavery is a universal institution, not limited to one race or country.

Historical Context of Slavery

• Definition: Chattel slavery involves enslaving and owning human beings and their offspring as property.
• Universality: Slavery was practiced globally across various cultures and eras.

European Enslavement Myths

• Common Belief: European enslavement of Africans was unique and the largest slave trade.
• Reality: Many cultures practiced slavery; Europe was not unique.

Slavery in Different Cultures

• Slavs: Targeted for slavery by the Romans and other European groups.
• Byzantine Empire: Enslaved Slavs, surfom was generational.
• Muslim Practices: Muslims could not enslave fellow Muslims; non-Muslims were enslaved.
• Roman Empire: Used slaves for various purposes, including entertainment.

Major Slave Trades

• Ottoman Empire: Practiced large-scale slavery, especially of Slavs and Africans.
• Arab Slave Trade: Lasted 900 years longer than the Atlantic trade; involved more slaves.

Irish Slavery Debate

• Viking Raids: Early enslavement during Viking raids from 795 AD.
• English and Norman Rule: Continued slavery and surfom under English rule.
• Cromwell's Era: Large-scale deportation and slavery of Irish people.

American Involvement in Slave Trade

• Jefferson's Presidency: Opposed to paying tribute to Barbary pirates.
• Barbary Wars: US military action against North African pirates.
• Outcome: Ended the white slave trade in North Africa and set a precedent for US military intervention.

African Participation in Slave Trade

• African Kingdoms: Participated in and profited from the slave trade.
• Historical Shame: Acknowledgement of African involvement in the slave trade.

Modern Reflections

• Continuing Slavery: Slavery continues in various forms today.

Conclusion

• Message: A call for honesty about historical truths regarding slavery.
• Engagement: Encouragement to engage with history through supporting educational content.