How and why did Anomabo transform into one of the leading port towns in the Transatlantic Slave Trade in this era?

This discussion addresses the following module and course outcomes:

• Compare the economy and society of Anomabo before and during the eighteenth century to examine how Anomabo transformed into a central hub of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (CO2 & 4)

Although the Gold Coast was a major region of trade between Africans and Europeans before the era of the slave trade, the port of Anomabo was a rather sleepy town on the Atlantic Coast. Most of the gold exported out of the region departed from other ports. As such, most of the economic activity in Anomabo consisted of local trade and fishing. Around 1700, however, the port transformed into a major hub of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Sparks analyzes this economic and social transformation through a vivid narrative that addresses many questions about Africa during the trade.

In preparation for our discussion, be sure to read all of Sparks, Where the Negroes are Masters.

Based on your reading of Sparks, post a response of at least 250 words to the following questions:

• How and why did Anomabo transform into one of the leading port towns in the Transatlantic Slave Trade in this era? Use specific evidence from the book.
• What effect did this transformation have on Anomabo’s economy and society?