1. Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

2. The Beginning
Controlled early by the Portuguese, later the English and Spanish would take over.
Over 10 million Africans would be sold into slavery.

3. The Caribbean
Over 99% of natives in the Caribbean died, mostly from disease.
Africans were immune to the diseases, used to the hot climate and skilled at agricultural labor.

4. The Caribbean
Sugar was the most important crop on the encomienda (plantation).
Gold and silver mines were also a destination for some slaves.

5. Triangle Trade
African leaders would sell war captives and criminals to the Europeans.
Over half died before they were sold.
Slaves were traded for rum, cloth, horses or guns.

6. Middle Passage This is the trip from Africa to America.
Conditions were harsh (little room, disease).
Most slaves ended up in Brazil and the Caribbean.

7. Slavery In America Slaves spoke many languages.
Slaves kept many of their cultural traditions.
African words entered the European languages.
African foods and music blended with European’s.
There were some revolts but few were successful. (Most common to break tools and work slowly.)

8. British North America
Only 5% of slaves ended up in British colonies (later the United States).
Tobacco, cotton and sugar were all important crops.
Because there were fewer slaves here they were generally treated better.

9. Impact of Slavery
African families were separated as mostly men were taken captive.
Whole tribes and societies were destroyed.
Cultural diffusion occurred.