Split the cards into 3 groups: Why did slavery begin? Task 1: Each card justifies Slavery Split the cards into 3 groups: Those about beliefs (what you think) Those about money (economy) Those about religion (God) Colour them or write on B, M or R Task 2: Write a summary paragraph explaining why slavery started and how people would have justified it. Use information gained from the cards to support your answer You have 10 minutes to complete your answer Challenge: Order the cards into those which would be most convincing to those justifying slavery to those which would not have been convincing arguments.

Key: Religion Money Beliefs Some people thought that slavery made the Africans happier. Slavery was not against the law. Slave Owners thought the slaves were not like humans, more like dogs or horses, and that white people were superior (better) to them. Some people thought God approved of slavery. Slaves were used to work on plantations in America making cotton, sugar and coffee. The plantation owners made lots of money because they didn’t have to pay the slaves any wages. Slaves could be sold for $1200 each, so people who brought them from Africa could make lots of money. The sugar trade in Britain was worth 20 million pounds a year. Sugar and cotton traders made lots of money and became very rich. Some people believed blacks people were not as clever as white people and needed telling what to do, like children. Some people believed blacks were lazy and without white people telling them what to do, would sit around all day doing nothing. Some people thought black people were dangerous and given half a chance would rob people or worse. The Bible talks about slavery so some people believed this meant slavery was ok. Many white people liked to have black people as servants inside the house, where they would work for free.