What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

Slavery existed in many countries long before America was founded. By 1700, many Africans were being brought to the American colonies of slaves. Men, women, and children were brought against their will. They were often separated from their families when they were sold as slaves. Slavery created a challenge for a nation founded on individual freedoms and democratic believes. It was one of the major causes of the American Civil War.