American colonies had S.L.A.V.E.S. Key Questions: Where were slaves concentrated in America? Where and what were they forced to grow?

S. Southern colonies  Most slaves were in the southern colonies  First slaves brought to Virginia in 1619

L. Lowlands near coast  Southern coastal lowlands were known for plantations  These areas were hot and humid

A. Africans brought on Middle Passage  The “Middle Passage” was the 2 nd leg of the Triangular trade  The Triangular Trade involved trade between Europe, Africa, and America  Conditions on slave ships were terrible

V. Virginia developed tobacco  Tobacco was the chief “cash” crop in the colonies  Tobacco harvesting requires lots of work and slaves provided cheap labor

E. Economy was agricultural  The American colonial economy was largely agricultural, so the need for cheap labor was great  Tobacco, rice, and indigo were chief crops

S. Slaves work on plantations