Slaves are individuals who are forced to work for others without pay and are often treated as property. This practice has existed throughout history in various cultures and societies, where people could be enslaved due to war, debt, or as a result of being born into slavery. The transatlantic slave trade, which involved the forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas, is one of the most notorious examples of slavery. Slaves were subjected to harsh conditions and had no legal rights, leading to significant social and economic impacts that are still felt today in discussions about race, human rights, and social justice.