Daniel Defoe: Life Summary

Born in London in 1660, his father instilled values of respectability and self-sufficiency

Educated in Latin, Greek, and English grammar, and later became a merchant

Imprisoned for his political writings, known for his book "Robinson Crusoe"

Criticized by some writers, but his influence on the novel genre is widely acknowledged

Died alone, hiding from creditors, leaving a lasting legacy in English literature

The Slave Trade

Began in the 16th century and involved English, French, and Portuguese traders

Triangular Slave Trade involved transportation of slaves, sugar cane, and rum between England, Africa, and America

Enslaved individuals were brutally captured, sold to work in difficult conditions, and played a vital role in the economy

Slave labor was pivotal for the prosperity of English colonies, abolished after the American Civil War

Sir John Hawkins was the first Englishman to trade in African slaves.