The Atlantic slave trade had an enormous negative impact on African society and its people; the slave trade tended to increase civil war in Africa itself, the slave traders did not simply go into the African countryside and kidnap which resulted in social unrest and anger, but also left lasting damages to the continent, with entrenched racism and contempt with many Africans still suffer from. In one particular way, African monarchs and leaders were convinced by Europeans to be involved in the slave trade to their own country's benefit. This led to social and civil unrest and division within the hierarchical systems of African countries.