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In the late 1400s, Europeans ( Spanish and Portuguese first) began to explore, colonize and conquer the territory in the Americas. The colonists attempted to enslave some of the Native Americans to perform hard labor, but found them unable to do hard labor and they were so familiar with the local environment that it was difficult to prevent their escape. Their lack of immunity to common European diseases and viruses was another factor against their suitability for slavery. They practically die on contact.
The Europeans had also noted the African practice of enslaving Prisoners captured in warfare(a common phenomenon among many peoples on all of the continents). European colonial powers traded common goods for these slaves, but this had little effect on the African trade. The African slaves proved more resistant to European diseases than Native Americans, familiar with a tropical climate and accustomed to agricultural work. As a result, regular trade was soon established.
Many Africans were sent to the Americas, though many went into West Africa. Slavery has been practiced both in the human existence and in the natural world. Even some species of ants practice the art of enslaving other species. In humans, it's been going on for thousands of years.
However, with a total of 15,000,000 Africans taken against their will, no other country has had so many people unwillingly taken from ther homes and force to do work for another race.
Africa, Americas, and Europe|Spanish North America|Early British Colonies|The Colonies Come of Age|Colonial Courtship Life