Roots: The Middle Passage | History

HISTORY2 minutes read

European slavery in Africa was based on race and resulted in about 125 million people being taken from the continent during the Middle Passage, a journey marked by inhumane conditions. Enslaved individuals on this journey often tried to rebel against their captors.

Insights

  • European slavery in Africa was distinguished from Atlantic slavery by its racial foundation, involving approximately 125 million individuals subjected to the Middle Passage's brutal conditions, fostering resistance and rebellion among the enslaved population.
  • The Middle Passage, lasting 2 to 3 months, entailed men being tightly restrained in squalid, overcrowded spaces, highlighting the extreme inhumanity and degradation inherent in the system of European slavery in Africa.

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Recent questions

  • What is the difference between European slavery in Africa and Atlantic slavery?

    European slavery in Africa was based on race, while Atlantic slavery was not.

  • How many people were taken from Africa during the Middle Passage?

    Approximately 125 million people were removed from Africa during the Middle Passage.

  • How long did the Middle Passage journey last?

    The Middle Passage journey lasted 2 to 3 months.

  • What were the conditions like for enslaved individuals during the Middle Passage?

    Enslaved individuals were shackled together in cramped, unsanitary conditions.

  • Did enslaved individuals attempt to rebel during the Middle Passage?

    Yes, there were attempts at rebellion by enslaved individuals during the Middle Passage.

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Summary

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African slavery in Europe: race-based removal.

  • European slavery in Africa was distinct from Atlantic slavery due to its basis on race, with about 125 million people removed from Africa during the Middle Passage, a journey lasting 2 to 3 months where men were shackled together in cramped, unsanitary conditions, leading to attempts at rebellion by enslaved individuals.
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