Atlantic Slave Trade

• What is slavery defined as in the study material?

  The treatment of human beings as property, deprived of personal rights
• What institution stands out for its global scale and lasting legacy?

  The Atlantic slave trade
• During which centuries did the Atlantic slave trade occur?


  From the late 15th to the mid 19th century
• How many Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas during the Atlantic slave trade?


  More than 10 million
• What were the main crops grown in the new colonies that required labor?

  Sugar cane, tobacco, and cotton
• Why did Europeans look to Africa for labor during the Atlantic slave trade?


  There were not enough settlers or indentured servants to cultivate the land
• What happened to American Natives in relation to slavery?


  Many died from new diseases, while others effectively resisted
• How did African kings and merchants view the people they sold into slavery?


  They viewed them as criminals, debtors, or prisoners of war from rival tribes
• What was the impact of the slave trade on African kingdoms?


  It created intense competition and altered societies and economies
• What brutal conditions did slaves face after being captured?

  They were marched to slave forts, shaved, branded, and loaded onto ships
• What percentage of slaves would never see land again during the voyage?

  About 20%
• What did captains do to ensure their profits during the slave trade?


  They cut off slaves' ears as proof of purchase
• How did some captives respond to their situation during the slave trade?


  Many committed suicide or starved themselves
• How were women and children treated during the slave voyages?

  They were kept above deck and abused by the crew
• What long-term demographic effect did the Atlantic slave trade have on Africa?


  The continent lost tens of millions of its able-bodied population
• What happened to African kingdoms after the slave trade was outlawed?


  Their economies collapsed, leaving them open to conquest and colonization
• How did the Atlantic slave trade contribute to the development of racist ideology?


  Europeans claimed Africans were biologically inferior to justify slavery
• What was the justification used by Europeans for the practice of slavery?


  They claimed Africans were destined to be slaves
• What were the effects of the Atlantic slave trade on Africa's future?


  • Loss of tens of millions of able-bodied population
  • Long-term demographic changes due to loss of men
  • Collapse of economies of African kingdoms
  • Increased competition and warfare fueled by European weapons
  • Ongoing instability in the region
• What were the main characteristics of slavery in Africa before the Atlantic slave trade?


  • Existed in various forms for centuries
  • Some slaves were indentured servants with limited terms
  • Others were similar to European serfs
  • Slaves could own land and rise to power in some societies
• What were the motivations for African kings and merchants to sell slaves?


  • Enrichment of their own realms
  • Strengthening against neighboring enemies
  • Viewed sold individuals as criminals or prisoners of war
• What were the conditions faced by slaves during the Middle Passage?


  • March to slave forts, shaving, branding
  • Tight packing on ships, high mortality rate
  • Dehumanization and treatment as cargo
  • Abuse of women and children
• How did the Atlantic slave trade affect the social structure in Africa?


  • Slavery replaced other criminal sentences
  • Capturing slaves became a motivation for war
  • Neighboring kingdoms needed European firearms for defense
• What was the legacy of the Atlantic slave trade on modern society?


  • Continued impact on descendants of slaves
  • Development of racial ideologies
  • Ongoing issues of inequality and instability in Africa