In 1600s the planter class increasingly relied on African slaves for labor majorly because slaves were offering cheap labor now that the planters didn't have to pay for this form of labor. This led to most of them foregoing traditional indentured servants who would be paid for their labor and instead opted for African slaves.
They wanted to avoid being drawn into conflicts between the global superpowers.
Details? I'm not sure how to answer, without any real information.
On a "Wing-it" situation. I'd say Europe was poor country-wise.
