The Irish introduction to slavery began with Viking raids in the 9th century, with many Irish people being killed and enslaved. Later, the English colonization of Ireland led to the forced transportation of Irish people to the Americas, where they were sold as slaves or indentured servants. This period saw tens of thousands of Irish men and women being sent to the eastern American colonies, as well as Guiana, Antigua, and Montserrat. The Irish were sold for profit, with some being traded for tobacco and indigo. The English could kill the Irish without penalty, but selling them offered great profit, and this explains slavery throughout the world.
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