Chapter 4.3 Slavery in the Colonies

I. Atlantic Slave Trade Between 1500-1800 many believe that over 10 million African Slaves were shipped to the Americas European Countries used the slave trade to benefit them. HOW?

They would set up at the West African Coast and organize raids into the interior of Africa to capture Africans to trade and sell They were forced to walk hundreds of miles back to the boats where they were shipped off many were too weak to make such long trips and died

A. Middle Passage Many were traded for guns and other goods at the coast and those left over were packed onto ships in standing room only and sent over seas for trade. This brutal voyage was known as the middle passage Some ship captains took care of slaves (fed them) because a health slave got them more money. Many didn’t survive this horrible travel and many (15-20%) committed suicide (how was the trip now?)

B. Triangular Trade The 3 way trade was between the colonies, Africa, and Caribbean Islands 1. boat carried goods like fish, lumber, crops from colonies to Caribbean Islands 2. From Caribbean Islands boats carried rum, guns, and island goods to Africa for slaves 3. then ships carried more slaves back to colonies for more goods, crops, and money

II. Slavery in the Colonies Slavery has existed since ancient times However different societies dealt with slavery in very different ways

A. Slavery Takes Root The plantation system helped slavery grow. How? More help for colonists meant more profits The south had the longest growing seasons thus they pushed for slavery even more Slaves were preferred because indentured servants were free after a certain period of time

B. Enslaved Life As the need for cheap labor grew, slavery became just another part of life Even children born to slaves became slaves Not all Africans were slaves but slavery was restricted to those of color and thus began what we know as RACISM or idea that one color is superior to another Yet many felt they were helping slaves coming from an even poorer country of Africa

C. Resistance to Slavery As slave populations grew the settlers feared they might revolt So they created slave codes or laws for slaves These were ideas like they couldn’t meet in large numbers, have weapons, or leave the farm without permission Also educating slaves was illegal

III African Cultural Influences Most slaves lived in the south where farming was mostly found In the north slaves were treated much better Some were even granted freedom by owners Africans continued to speak in their native languages which allowed them to communicate with out Colonist knowing They also brought with them their culture

African Culture Basket weaving, Quilting, and Banjo playing