Atlantic Slave Trade 1770- 1807

Britain and the Caribbean

LEARNING INTENTIONS Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Describe Britain’s role in the Caribbean, including islands it held as colonies Describe the negative effects of slavery on the Caribbean

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 As an imperial power, Britain had colonies all over the world. The main places that Britain controlled which used slavery were in the Caribbean, a group of islands in the Americas.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Britain controlled various islands in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago. Around 1.6 million Africans were taken to work as slaves in British Caribbean colonies.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 The Caribbean was very important to Britain. It provided popular products such as sugar. The sales of these products made many Britons rich, and also raised tax money for Britain too.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Many Britons worked in the Caribbean. Some chose to go as bond servants. At times prisoners were sent as punishment. Some Britons ran the islands as governors. Others owned plantations or worked in related jobs e.g. doctors, lawyers, etc. British sailors had a role in transporting slaves or goods.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 The slave trade did not only have a negative impact on Africa – it had a major effect on the Caribbean too. What problems do you think that slavery caused for the Caribbean islands?

Arawak natives became slaves Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Arawak natives became slaves Before African slavery, native Americans were forced to work as slaves in the Caribbean. Loss of native land Land which had been owned by Arawak tribes was taken by European colonists to grow products for sale in Europe.

Arawaks killed by disease Landscape changed/damaged Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Arawaks killed by disease Native Americans’ immune systems could not cope with European diseases such as smallpox. Landscape changed/damaged European slavers used large amounts of land, often destroying vast areas such as forests to build plantations.

More revolts and danger Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Poor slave treatment Slaves were treated very poorly, working long hours in hot conditions. 25% of all slaves died within 3 years of arrival. More revolts and danger Huge amounts of violence took place on the islands as slaves fought back against their owners.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Lack of workers Increased population African slaves led to a big population increase in the Caribbean, putting pressure on food and water supplies. Lack of workers After slavery was abolished there was a lack of workers. Many Asian people then moved to the Caribbean.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Changing culture Africans brought their own culture and traditions to the islands, including music. The voodoo religion was a created from a mixture of African religion and French Catholicism on the island of Haiti.

Atlantic Slave Trade 1770-1807 Many Caribbean islands are demanding compensation from European colonists. Governments in various islands believe countries such as Britain should apologise for the impact of the slave trade.