How did slavery in African and Muslim societies differ from slavery in the Americas?

In African and Muslim societies, slavery often differed significantly from that in the Americas, particularly regarding the nature and foundations of enslaved status. In these societies, slavery was not predominantly based on race or heredity but rather on factors such as war, debt, or voluntary servitude. While individuals could become enslaved for various reasons, the system allowed for a greater possibility of social mobility; enslaved individuals could sometimes earn or buy their freedom.

In contrast, slavery in the Americas was characterized by a rigid racial caste system where enslaved individuals were predominantly of African descent and their status was typically inherited. This hereditary aspect reinforced a lifelong condition of servitude, distinct from the more fluid nature of slavery in African and Muslim contexts, where individuals could potentially improve their circumstances.

Understanding these differences emphasizes the varying social constructs surrounding slavery and highlights how deeply intertwined it was with the cultural, economic, and political frameworks of each society.