The Atlantic Slave Trade: Crash Course World History #24

Recent questions

• What is chattel slavery?

  Chattel slavery is a form of slavery where individuals are treated as personal property that can be bought, sold, and owned. This system dehumanizes enslaved people, reducing them to mere commodities without rights or autonomy. Chattel slavery has historical roots in various societies, including Greek, Roman, and Islamic cultures, and became particularly prominent in the Atlantic slave trade. Under this system, enslaved individuals were often subjected to brutal conditions, forced labor, and a complete lack of freedom, as they were considered movable property rather than human beings. This dehumanization was a key characteristic of the Atlantic slave trade, which saw millions of Africans forcibly transported to the Americas.

• How did the slave trade begin?

  The European slave trade began in the aftermath of the 4th Crusade in 1204, when Italian merchants started importing slaves, primarily women, for domestic work and sugar processing. This marked the beginning of a systematic approach to slavery that would evolve over the centuries. Initially, the demand for labor in Europe and later in the Americas led to the establishment of trade routes that facilitated the capture and transportation of enslaved individuals. As European powers expanded their colonies, the need for labor to cultivate cash crops like sugar, tobacco, and coffee intensified, driving the demand for enslaved Africans. This trade became a significant part of the economy, intertwining with consumer culture and leading to the forced migration of millions.

• What were the conditions on slave ships?

  Conditions on slave ships during the transatlantic journey were horrendous and inhumane. Slave ships could carry up to 400 individuals, but each person was allotted an average of only four square feet of space, leading to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Enslaved individuals were often shackled and forced to lie in their own waste, which contributed to the spread of disease and high mortality rates. Approximately 15% of those transported died during the journey due to the appalling conditions, including malnutrition, dehydration, and illness. The journey was not only physically taxing but also psychologically traumatic, as individuals were separated from their families and communities, facing an uncertain and terrifying future in a foreign land.

• What was the life expectancy of slaves?

  The life expectancy of slaves varied significantly depending on the region and conditions of their labor. For instance, in Brazil, the average life expectancy of a slave on a sugar plantation in the late 18th century was only 23 years, reflecting the brutal working conditions and high mortality rates associated with sugar production. Slaves often worked long hours, sometimes up to 48 hours straight during harvest time, in dangerous environments that posed risks of injury or death. In contrast, conditions in British colonies and the United States allowed for a natural increase in slave populations, suggesting that while life was harsh, some slaves lived longer due to slightly better conditions. Nonetheless, the overall life expectancy of enslaved individuals was significantly lower than that of free individuals, highlighting the severe impact of slavery on human life.

• Why were Africans captured and sold into slavery?

  Africans were often captured and sold into slavery through a complex system of trade that involved both African and European actors. Many enslaved individuals were taken captive by other Africans, who then traded them to European merchants in exchange for goods such as metal tools, textiles, and firearms. This created a market where slaves became a valuable form of property, driven by the demand for labor in the Americas. The consumer culture in Europe, focused on non-essential goods like sugar, tobacco, and coffee, fueled the need for enslaved laborers to cultivate these crops. This system of exchange not only perpetuated the cycle of slavery but also highlighted the economic motivations behind the transatlantic slave trade, as enslaved individuals were seen as commodities rather than human beings.