Years and years ago while the "Roots" saga was being shown on TV in the UK, I don't know whether by accident or design, but you could watch "Roots" on one channel, then switch over and watch a Documentary on the Slave Trade and William Wilberforce on the other channel.

The utter crap that went into the storyline of Roots was clearly shown time and time again. The Slave Trade based on the West coast of Africa was run as a business and was very well documented. As far back as those records go there was only ever two instances where Europeans penetrated the hinterland to capture and take slaves. Normally the slaves were brought to the coast by either Arab slavers, by members of another tribe who were disposing of foes taken in battle, or they were being sold by their own tribal chiefs.

While William Wilberforce, the non-conformist activists and the Society of Friends are credited with much to do with changing the attitude of the British Government to slavery. One significant and import contributer is hardly ever credited with his part in the ending of the slave trade - Arthur Wellesley, The Duke of Wellington.

"Capitalism is still largely dependent on labour that is enslaved or paid poorly."

Another incorrect sweeping generalisation from dianavan. Have a good think about her statement, if it were true capitalism would have foundered centuries ago. It didn't, because that is not how the game works, anyone doubting that compare social statistics relating to "the common man" and you will find, in general, a constant and steady improvement down through the years.