The African slave trade Essential Question: How did the Atlantic Slave Trade differ from past slave trades, and what factors caused it to last as long as it did?

The Evolution of African Slavery Portuguese first explored Africa in the 1400’s searching for gold Europeans first used Native Americans for cheap labor; many died of disease or ran away Africans were mostly immune to European diseases, had farming experience, and did not know the land Between 15 and 1600, 300,000 Africans were sent to the Americas

Origins of Slavery Continued Spain and Portugal- Africans worked in mines and on plantations Dutch, French and English used Africans to work on Caribbean plantations Many African rulers sold slaves for gold and guns England began to dominate slavery by 1690 1.7 Million slaves in the West Indies 400,000 slaves transferred to North America 2 Million total slaves by the time slaves were freed

The Atlantic Slave Trade

A Forced Journey Triangular Trade- Europeans traded goods for captured slaves Africans were taken to West Indies and traded for sugar, coffee, and tobacco European merchants would take goods back to Europe Middle Passage- Brought Africans to the Americas Very brutal Many Africans died of disease and cruel treatment Others committed suicide

The “Coffin” Position

Slaves Being Thrown Overboard

Slavery in the Americas Once Africans arrived in the Americas they were sold at auction Life of manual labor Very little food Endured beatings Failed revolts Slaves kept their music traditions and told stories of their ancestors Consequences of the slave trade: African families were torn apart Introduction of guns to Africa Africans brought their knowledge of agriculture

Think/Talk/Write Do you believe slavery exists today? Take a minute and think about the question. ( 1 minute on the clock ) Turn to a partner and discuss your ideas. ( 2 minutes on the clock ) Now write your answer and remember to include supporting examples from your discussion. ( 5 minutes on the clock )