Were slaves involved with the slave trade ever considered people?

Answer by  rbiales (3441)

Slaves in the slave trade were often considered people, what they were not considered was legal citizens with the same rights as other enfranchised people. To the best of my knowlege the US constitution was the first time slaves were counted among citizens, even as 3/5ths of a man each.

Answer by  tmoney (176)

Slaves were considered people, however, they were not considered to have human rights as we know them today. People today do not think that one person could own another like property, but when slavery was still accepted, it was common to view ownership of another person as a slave similarly to the ownership of a animal like an ox used for farming.