“History of Colonialism” is a book series in which each volume addresses a part of the history of colonial powers and their methods of exploiting other nations. The third volume of this series, titled “The Manhunt,” deals with the history of slavery after the start of European colonization.

The Portuguese, who were pioneers in discovering new lands, also initiated the slave trade before others. They began this process by kidnapping and enslaving black Africans, but with the entry of other countries, it became a lucrative trade.

The Spanish, who reached the Americas before others, tried to enslave the Native Americans. However, they eventually turned to African people for slaves.

The English, who reaped the most profits both individually and governmentally from the slave trade, built almost the entire foundation of their economy and industry in the main country and their colonies on the backs of slaves.

The French, not wanting to be left behind, engaged intensely in the slave trade but ultimately became the first country to be separated from their colonies due to slave revolts.

In “The Manhunt,” we accompany African slaves and travel to various parts of the world over a century. We examine the industrial advancements in European countries and see the impact of slavery on these developments even in countries like Iran. Finally, we explore the reasons for the abolition of slavery by the greatest beneficiaries of this trade and conclude with the history of the largest intercontinental forced migration in the world.