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The Tragedy of the Middle Passage. The Capture of the Africans. In order to promote capture, Europeans traded guns to West Coast tribes. Initial Fears. White skin Ships 3) The Atlantic Ocean. Construction of the slave ship. Maximize “cargo” to maximize profit.
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The Tragedy of the Middle Passage
The Capture of the Africans In order to promote capture, Europeans traded guns to West Coast tribes
Initial Fears White skin Ships 3) The Atlantic Ocean
Construction of the slave ship Maximize “cargo” to maximize profit
Space alotted each slave Length= 6 feet Height = 4 feet, 6 inches if lucky Width= 18 inches
“Tight Packers” Height = 18 inches Consequences?
Ownership Branding
Conditions Endured: • Seasickness = suffocation • Going to the bathroom= filth • Language barrier= deafening noise • Cries for help • Desperately calling out for family • Prayers • Overcome by the whip • 4) Darkness • 5) Stifling temperatures (heat) • 6) The chains- one size
Maintaining discipline The Iron Muzzle
Ensuring profit= healthy slaves Necessity of exercise
A hopeless alternative The ships followed by sharks A refusal to eat = the funnel
Promotion of the System: • The MOST expensive slaves? • Rape= Pregnancy= Profits • 2) Desensitization • Lack of remorse or sympathy • Reinforces African inferiority
Shocking Statistics: Expected death rate on voyage= 12 %to 18% Middle Passage endured by= 30 to 60 million Africans Length of the Atlantic Slave Trade= @ 300 years