Another point of controversy is the excessively-sized portrayal for which the United States has been placed throughout historical texts compared to its actual role in the trade. Independence was not even declared until 1776, yet somehow slave trading that began in the 15th century<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/abolition/africa_article_01.shtml Africa and the Transatlantic Slave Trade]</ref> is routinely aimed solely at the United States instead of the kings who demanded the initiation and continuance of the practice. | Another point of controversy is the excessively-sized portrayal for which the United States has been placed throughout historical texts compared to its actual role in the trade. Independence was not even declared until 1776, yet somehow slave trading that began in the 15th century<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/abolition/africa_article_01.shtml Africa and the Transatlantic Slave Trade]</ref> is routinely aimed solely at the United States instead of the kings who demanded the initiation and continuance of the practice. |