Slavery

Until the Lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.

What do you know about slavery? Was it a global phenomenon?

Who was involved in slavery?

Do forms of slavery still exist today?

Textbook:

The devastating trade in African peoples across the Atlantic Ocean lasted for more than 300 years. During this time, an estimated 12 million Africans – men, women, and children - were torn from their families and communities, enslaved, and shipped to the Caribbean and the Americas. Millions more died in the raids for African captives to be sold into slavery. The enslaved Africans were forced to work on plantations and in mines, enduring conditions that were brutal, cruel and deadly.

In this unit, you will have the opportunity to learn more about this devastating trade in human life. You will see what prompted Europeans to begin the transatlantic trade in African peoples and why this practice was accepted by so many people for hundreds of years. As you read, think about the role that race, class, and gender played as millions of people were denied basic human rights. Think about the effect slavery had on African peoples and the African continent itself. Ask yourselves about the impact slavery has had on people of African heritage whose ancestors were enslaved. Then reflect on the moral lessons of slavery, both in the past and today.

The Impact of Slavery Brainstorm:

Indentured Servants vs. Slaves

1. Africans vs. Indentured Servants A person hired for domestic duties or as a personal attendant. Indenture: A sealed agreement or contract; a contract binding a person to a service. Slave: A person who is the legal property of another or others and is bound to absolute obedience.

2. What is the main cost of running a farm or a mine? The Cost of Labour.

3. What challenges did early colonizers face in Virginia? Not prepared for the environmental conditions. Lack of supplies, food, or resources. Conflict with Algonquian Indians. Inexperienced. High death rates.

4. Why did European colonizers use African slaves rather than European Indentured servants? At first, Europeans used indentured servants. The likelihood of that servant surviving the full 7 years was low, and they were cheaper servants initially than to purchase slave labor. Yet, as conditions in the colony improved, less indentured servants were dying off and land had to be found for them at the end of their 7 years of service. For many plantation owners, it was more logical to pay the upfront cost of a slave, who would then give years of service for a cheaper price.

5. Why did the Europeans not enslave the native Americans? It is harder to enslave someone in their own territory. Conflicts with natives. Disease. Find information on this point! And a picture.

Why Africans? Africans and Europeans shared immunities to Old World diseases. Its easier to make someone a slave outside of their home. They tried to enslave the Native Americas but this being there land, used that to there advantage and fought back, making it more trouble then it was worth.

African Slaves or Indentured Servants Why did European colonizers use African slaves rather than European Indentured Servants???? African Slaves or Indentured Servants

African Slaves Not paid Used for hard, manual labour Could work in hot climate Sell at an auction for a profit Long-term labour If they ran away, they did not blend in with the pop. & you could find them easily Not seen as citizens; therefore, not recognized by courts and laws did not protect them. Did not have to respect them; punishment Cheap to buy Only had to give them enough sustenance to survive, such as little food, poor shelter, and clothing

Indentured Servants Often paid/need to pay for their voyage from Europe Easier jobs: cooks, maids, butlers etc. Short-term labour Could blend in with the general pop. if they ran away Must respect them according to the law

Brain pop.