The Atlantic Slave trade had a huge impact on the course of the Americas. Entire populations were displaced, entire wars were fought, large portions of empires rose and fell on its fortunes. It was a large endeavor and it impacted the history of the United States greatly, which has gone on to impact the history of the world greatly. So it is studied in great detail because those who influence media and culture have a vested interest in it, more so than they have an interest in some other episodes of history.