Final answer:
Slavery existed in various African societies for different reasons, including punishment for crimes, paying off debts, and survival during times of hardship. Enslavement also served economic purposes, such as enlarging households and ensuring enough labor in fields and herds. While race and racism played a significant role in European participation in African enslavement, economic factors, such as wealth and profit, were also motivations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slavery existed in numerous African societies for various reasons. In some societies, slavery was used as a form of punishment for crimes, while in others, people could become enslaved or sell their children into slavery to pay off debts. Additionally, during times of hardship like famine, parents might sell their children to ensure their survival.
In many societies, enslaved people were often taken as prisoners of war. Enslavement also served as a way to enlarge households and ensure there were enough people to work in the fields or tend to herds. Some enslaved Africans remained enslaved for their entire lives, while others expected to regain their freedom once their debt was settled.
It's important to note that the motivations behind slavery extended beyond race-related factors. While race and racism played significant roles in European participation in African enslavement, economic factors, such as the desire for wealth and profit, also contributed to the transatlantic slave trade.