When did slaves from Africa arrive in Brazil?
The importation of African slaves to Brazil began midway through the 16th century. However, it’s essential to note that the enslavement of indigenous peoples continued well into the 17th and 18th centuries. During the era of the Atlantic slave trade, Brazil stood out by importing more enslaved Africans than any other country in the world. Approximately 5.5 million Africans were forcibly brought to Brazil between 1540 and the 1860s1. This mass enslavement played a pivotal role in Brazil’s economy, contributing significantly to the production of wealth. The inhumane treatment and forced labor of enslaved Africans remain a significant part of Brazil’s history and its ongoing struggle with systemic racism123.
Until the early 1850s, most enslaved Africans arriving on Brazilian shores were forced to embark at West Central African ports, especially in Luanda (present-day Angola). Slave labor fueled the growth of Brazil’s sugar economy, with sugar being the primary export from 1600 to 1650. The discovery of gold and diamond deposits in Brazil in 1690 led to an increased importation of enslaved Africans to support the profitable mining industry. Even after the decline of mining in the second half of the 18th century, demand for enslaved labor persisted due to cattle ranching and foodstuff production. By 1700 to 1800, approximately 1.7 million slaves were imported to Brazil from Africa. The rise of coffee in the 1830s further expanded the Atlantic slave trade1.
Brazil’s foundation was built upon the exploitation and enslavement of indigenous peoples and Africans, leaving an indelible mark on its history and ongoing societal challenges123. The eventual abolition of slavery came with Princess Isabel’s signing of the Lei Áurea (Golden Law) in May 1888, legally ending slavery in Brazil4.
