The Atlantic slave trade began during the 15th century and continued through the 19th Century during which period it was eventually abolished. The triangular trade was born out of the desire for European empires to establish themselves via trade in the New World. European and American settlers enslaved West African civilians and subjected them to gross abuse and neglect in order to fulfil their increasing labour needs on plantations. It is estimated that over 60 million Africans died during The Middle Passage, the crossing from Africa to the Americas.