4.3 Slavery in the Colonies

1. 4.3 Slavery in the Colonies

2. The Atlantic Slave Trade • More than 10 million Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean • Spanish and Portuguese traders began the process, but Dutch, French and English merchants also participated • Eventually colonial ships were a part of the slave trade • Slave traders had forts along the west coast of Africa • Taking captives from inland Africa • Some of these traveled over 300 miles

3. The Atlantic Slave Trade • The Triangular Trade • Name for the regular route the merchants used • Basic goods, fish, lumber, etc. went to Caribbean • Brought back molasses to make rum • Took the rum, guns, cloth, etc. to Africa • Traded those for slaves • Brought the slaves to the West Indies Middle Passage • Start all over again

4. The Atlantic Slave Trade • The Middle Passage • This is about $$$$ • In order to make more profit the slave traders packed the slaves in • Very little air and light along with very unsanitary conditions • Some captains made conditions better hoping their cargo would arrive healthier and get more $$$$ • 15-20% of the salves died en route • From the Caribbean they would sold to plantations all over the new world

5. Other Key Points • Historically slavery was not typically for life • Plantation system led to this type of slavery • In 1663 VA court ruled children born in slavery were slaves too • Some people did resist slavery • Rhode Island outlawed slavery • It didn’t last due to the huge profits made by merchants