Slavery in the Americas

Today’s Objectives

Describe the Triangle Trade and what was traded.

Explain what is meant by the “middle passage.”

Describe the evolution of the African Slave Trade and its consequences.

The Triangle Trade

Trade route with three legs.

Leg 1

Guns, cloth, iron, and beer are taken to Africa.

Leg 2 – The Middle PassageAfricans’ voyage across the Atlantic to the New World to be used as slaves in the plantation system.

Leg 3

Sugar is taken to Europe to be made into rum.

Triangular Trade linked: Europe Africa Americas

The “Middle Passage”

“I’m in the belly of the beast, the bottom of the boat,And home is a place I'll never get to go.”

Coffin Position Below Deck

HowStuffWorks Videos "Assignment Discovery: Triangular Trade and Slave Ships"

The Evolution of African Slavery

Some Native Americans died from fighting the Europeans but the majority died of disease.

African slaves were better at fighting off diseases. Old world Immunities that built up over time

As colonies expanded, the demand for slaves grew. “Cash Crops” (sugar and rice) = need for lots of labor Fewer indentured servants were coming from England

Slavery in the Americas

African slaves were auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Slaves worked in mines or fields or as servants.

Lifetime of bondage that was carried on for generations.

Slaves kept African traditions alive – music & stories

Resistance and rebellion

Consequences in Africa

African cultures lost their fittest, best people.

African families were separated. Introduction of guns.

Consequences in the Americas Led to growth of the colonies

Economic Cultural

Led to economic and social divisions Civil War

Intermarriage and mixed race populations

HowStuffWorks Videos "Assignment Discovery: About Slavery in America“