Images from the Transatlantic Slave Trade Slavery Presentation Images from the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Most slaves were captured by other Africans. West Africa is where the majority of slaves came from. Almost all slaves landed in the places seen on the map (Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida)

The Middle Passage

The primary reason for slavery was the crops seen above The primary reason for slavery was the crops seen above. Slaves were free labor for the plantations in the South.

Reasons for Using Enslaved African Labor Experience-They had previous experience and knowledge working in sugar and rice production. Immunity from diseases-Less likely to get sick due to prolonged contact over centuries. Low escape possibilities-They did not know the land, had no allies, and were highly visible because of skin color.

Slaves were bought by Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese smugglers Slaves were bought by Spanish, Dutch, and Portuguese smugglers. They were sold by African Kings and tribal leaders like King Alvaro of Congo. Usually, they were traded for guns and money.

Slaves were then sold to ship captains by the traders who had them caught.

Chains and manacles were used to keep slaves from running. Slaves were BRANDED with this tool (permanent burn scar) to show they were property.

The conditions on board the ships that carried the slaves across the Atlantic were horrific. At least 20% of the slaves died on the way. Slaves were kept chained together with very little room. They were only fed once a day and allowed outside for 20 minutes. Sanitation and diseases were a big problem.

Slaves were routinely beaten and tortured. Many women were raped by the sailors during the voyage. If a slave died on the voyage, the body was thrown overboard.

Signs like this were common to announce the upcoming auctions where slaves would be for sale.

Slaves were sold at auctions and purchased by farm owners.

The final destination for most slaves was a plantation where they were forced to work for free harvesting crops like cotton, wheat, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco.

Slaves were punished for disobedience, trying to escape, or not working hard enough. The most common form of punishment was the WHIP.

The scars of a whip.

Many people, white and black, tried to help southern slaves escape to freedom through the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. Harriet Tubman was an ex-slave who continued to go back to the South and help people find freedom even though her life was constantly in danger.

Many freed slaves went on to fight for the North during the Civil War.

Three great movies that show different sides of the black struggle during slavery.