Final answer:
The Atlantic Slave Trade began in the late 15th century when Portugal and other European nations started exploring Africa's west coast. It involved the forced migration of millions of Africans to the American continents. The trade was supported by a three-way system of trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Atlantic Slave Trade, also known as the transatlantic slave trade, originated in the late 15th century when Portugal, and subsequently other European nations, began exploring Africa's west coast. The trade involved the forced migration of millions of Africans to the American continents. The slave trade was facilitated by the 'Triangular Trade', a three-way system of trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. European goods were shipped to Africa to be exchanged for slaves, the slaves then were transported across the Atlantic to the Americas (Middle Passage), and the goods produced using slave labor were finally shipped back to Europe. It was one of the darkest chapters in human history and has had long-lasting effects still felt today.
Learn more about Atlantic Slave Trade