Final answer:
The trans-Atlantic slave trade led to the demise of some African kingdoms and the rise of others that participated in the trade, resulting in destabilization, increased warfare, and ultimately, the reorientation of African societies towards the Atlantic economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trans-Atlantic slave trade profoundly impacted the African kingdoms. Option 1 correctly identifies that the slave trade contributed to the demise of these kingdoms. Many smaller states in West Africa vanished due to the significant numbers of men and women lost to slavery. In their place, new states arose whose economies were deeply reliant on the slave trade. These new states, such as Whydah and Dahomey, often engaged in warfare to dominate the slave trade, thereby destabilizing the region. This near-constant state of conflict was spurred on by the European demand for slaves, which undermined the historical and economic fabric of the African continent.
In contrast to elevating political stability or improving relations with Europe, the slave trade led to a reorientation of the trans-Saharan trade networks and militarization of states. The Atlantic slave trade also created an environment of antagonism rather than unity among African kingdoms, as many fought against each other to capture more individuals for sale. As such, the legacy of the slave trade left a long-standing impact on the continent, setting the stage for later colonization by European imperialists.