The Slave Trade Triangle Middle Passage

What do you predict about the slave’s journey? Setting the scene: The journey often took many weeks The weather could often be horrendous Many slaves had never before seen the sea The slaves had been ripped apart from their families. What do you predict about the slave’s journey?

Account by a slave who was taken to work in the West Indies. I saw many of my miserable countrymen chained together, some with their hands tied behind their backs. We were taken to a place near the coast and I asked the guide why we were here. He told me that I was to learn the ways of the white-faced people. He took a gun, some cloth and some metal in exchange for me. This made me cry bitterly. I was then taken to a ship where I saw my fellow captives moaning and crying.

Senses task 1) Hear 2) see The senses task 4) Touch/feel 3) Smell

What was the Slaves experience of the Middle Passage? The Life of Olaudah Equiano Primary source Imagine you experienced his life – think of emotions you would feel

Snatched from my village - Tied with chains and rope. Olaudah Equiano Snatched from my village - Tied with chains and rope.

Olaudah Equiano Taken to the coast and put onto a ship – 600 slaves packed onto the ship - we are forced below decks.

Olaudah Equiano Chained together hands and feet. Packed in like spoons - no room to move. (Length 5ft 6in/width 16inches)

The heat is unbearable - I gasp for breath! Olaudah Equiano The heat is unbearable - I gasp for breath!

A mixture of unpleasant smells - urine, faeces, and vomit. Olaudah Equiano A mixture of unpleasant smells - urine, faeces, and vomit.

I hear the shrieks of women and the groans of the dying. Olaudah Equiano I hear the shrieks of women and the groans of the dying.

Food is served – one bucket between 10 men. Olaudah Equiano Food is served – one bucket between 10 men.

I refuse to eat. I am flogged as a punishment! Olaudah Equiano I refuse to eat. I am flogged as a punishment!

A slave rebels – his hands and feet are cut off! Olaudah Equiano A slave rebels – his hands and feet are cut off!

A slave commits suicide – he jumps over board. Olaudah Equiano A slave commits suicide – he jumps over board.

11. Disease and death spreads Olaudah Equiano 11. Disease and death spreads

12. The sick and dying are thrown alive overboard. Olaudah Equiano 12. The sick and dying are thrown alive overboard.

13. Twice a week we are forced to dance on deck – or be whipped! Olaudah Equiano 13. Twice a week we are forced to dance on deck – or be whipped!

14. The journey takes two to three months – the crossing is rough! Olaudah Equiano 14. The journey takes two to three months – the crossing is rough!

Sensory Figure You will be creating a Sensory Figure for a slave during the Slave Trade   Your Sensory Figure must include at least 6 descriptive blurbs. Your blurbs will be sentences or phrases that describe what your character might be seeing, hearing, saying, feeling, smelling, or doing to show their thoughts, feelings, points of view, and experiences. Use the texts, class notes and materials, etc. as a source, but also use your imagination. Your sensory figure will be graded on effort, not artistic ability! Neatly drawn stick figures are fine

Olaudah Equiano 15. I am SOLD at auction to Captain Henry Pascal, a British naval officer.

Plenary Describe the living conditions on board the Slave Ship? Which facts most shocked you? If you had to sum up the Middle Passage in 5 words what words would you choose?