Final answer:
Portuguese merchants first bought slaves from the African kingdom of Kongo and later smaller African tribes began selling slaves as well. The transatlantic slave trade grew as demand for slaves increased.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Portuguese merchants first bought slaves from the African kingdom of Kongo. The Kongo Kingdom was located in Central Africa and had a long history of trade with European traders, including the Portuguese. They initially traded goods such as copper, ivory, and pepper, but eventually began selling slaves to the Portuguese in exchange for goods like textiles, firearms, and alcohol. This marked the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade.
True. Eventually, smaller African tribes also began selling slaves. As the demand for slaves increased, European traders expanded their networks and started buying slaves from various African tribes and kingdoms, including those from West Africa, Senegambia, Guinealand, and the slave coast of Benin. Slavery became a widespread and devastating practice in Africa, involving not only the Portuguese but also other European powers during the colonial period.
Learn more about The transatlantic slave trade