Moreover, the wealth generated from slavery contributed to the funding of Renaissance art, architecture, and learning, creating a paradox where the intellectual achievements of the era were partially underwritten by human suffering.
Decline and Legacy
The transatlantic slave trade continued to expand well beyond the Renaissance into the 18th and 19th centuries until abolitionist movements gained momentum. The legacy of this trade shaped global demographics, economies, and racial relations.
Conclusion
The flourishing of the slave trade during the European Renaissance was a complex phenomenon tied closely to economic expansion, colonial ambitions, and the emerging global trade networks. While the Renaissance is often celebrated for its advances in human thought and culture, it is essential to acknowledge the exploitative and violent economic systems, such as the slave trade, that underpinned much of this prosperity. Understanding this history provides a more nuanced view of the Renaissance and its enduring consequences on the modern world. shutdown123