Holt African American History Chapter 2 The Institution of Slavery Slavery’s Origins Practice did not start with Europeans; common since ancient times Slaves used for manual labor—physical work done by hand Slaves vital form of cheap labor; tended crops, built temples, worked on farms, in mines and on construction projects Other Functions Skilled workers—musicians, weavers, carpenters Muslim rulers trained slaves as professional soldiers In ancient Rome, educated slaves served as teachers Others featured in theaters and gladiator competitions

Holt African American History Chapter 2 The Treatment of Slaves Slaves considered property of owners in all societies; their treatment varied greatly Slavery not based on race

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Freeing Slaves In ancient times, not uncommon for slaves to be freed Act of manumission practiced around the world Freeing slave considered honorable act Manumission

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Slavery in Africa Institution existed for many centuries Practiced by small kingdoms and great empires Muslims First entered Africa in 600s Expanded African slave trade; captured or purchased Africans from local rulers Traded all over Muslim world Sign of Wealth Served as household servants, agricultural workers; crew members, pearl divers 18 million slaves exchanged from AD 650 to 1905 Africa and the Slave Trade

Holt African American History Chapter 2 European Contact with Africa Muslim merchants traded slaves throughout Asia and Africa, not Europe Period of great discovery during 1400s and 1500s –Interest in trade and adventure led to exploration –Reasons included adventure and fame spread of Christianity hope of wealth from trade –Trade expeditions launched; lure of spices, jewels, and silks –Africa was target for exploration

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Portuguese soon learned great wealth to be found in selling African captives as slaves in European markets. With European settlement of the Americas in 1500s, demand for labor skyrocketed. Africans and Europeans Trade for Slaves Portuguese trade Among first in Europe to take part First large-scale shipment of slaves arrived in Portugal in 1444 Triggered increased interest Cheap labor Planters islands in Atlantic eager for cheap labor Wealthy Europeans sought slaves as domestic servants 50,000 African slaves in Europe by 1500 Methods changed No longer content to raid villages; turned to trade with local African rulers Horses, cloth, or grain for prisoners of war; established treaties with kings

Holt African American History Chapter 2

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Europeans Send Slaves to the Americas Importation of slaves to Americas minor, but profitable enterprise 1400s no great European demand for cheap manual labor –But Spain, Portugal, and others expanded into the Americas –Demand for slave labor soared Christopher Columbus –Voyages of 1492 set off wave of European colonization –Explorers attracted to wealth of resources in “New World” –Riches to be found in gold, silver; crops of sugarcane, tobacco –Mines and plantations (huge farms) established Required enormous amount of labor –Needed to collect and process raw materials –Initially used Native Americans as forced labor

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Native peoples Growing resistance to enslavement Rapidly decreasing native populations Europeans forced to look elsewhere Atlantic slave trade 1502 first black slaves imported to the Caribbean Americas by Portuguese First in small numbers, but growing demand led to active trade System of slaves from Africa to the Americas known as Atlantic slave trade Solution Look to African slaves—unlike Native Americans, African slaves resistant to European diseases and could not successfully hide after escaping Familiar with farming methods; already worked as reliable laborers in Europe Resistance

Holt African American History Chapter 2

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Middle Passage Most profitable leg of triangular trade; slaves transported from Africa to the Americas Millions were captured and enslaved; sent to Americas Trading posts Obtained slaves from local middlemen at coastal trading posts, who got slaves from local rulers in African interior Rulers received various goods Capture Search began on West African coast; majority of slaves shipped from there European slave traders did not capture slaves directly Enslavement After exchange captives chained and marched to trading posts like Gorée Island and Elmina; there they waited to be chosen for shipment The Journey to the Americas

Holt African American History Chapter 2 Impact on Africa Human cost great 10 million to 12 million Africans shipped to the Americas More died on forced marches, on board ships, or resisting Impact on the Americas Slaves played vital role in settlement of many areas, especially Brazil, the Caribbean Filled labor needs and helped strengthen colonial economies African kingdoms Entire communities devastated Wars common among rival kingdoms to win captives Economically dependent on European goods African diaspora Another result was spread of African culture and traditions Scattering of Africans called African diaspora Music, art, and religion spread Effects of the Slave Trade

Holt African American History Chapter 2

Holt African American History Chapter 2 African Culture in the Americas Africans played crucial role in development of American culture –Slaves continued to practice their African traditions and customs –Over time traditions blended with European and native culture to create unique culture of Americas Influence on music and food –Brazilian capoeira, a blend of dance and martial arts, from Angolan slaves –African musical instruments included the marimba, the banjo, and various types of drums –African foods include New Orleans Creole, a blend of African, Caribbean, and European cooking Influence on religion and language –Slaves blended African religious beliefs with Christian ones –Mixed languages as shown in Haiti and Louisiana Great cultural diversity of Americas was the result