1. The African slave trade
Essential Question:
How did the Atlantic Slave Trade differ from past slave trades, and what factors caused it to last as long as it did?

2. The Evolution of African Slavery
Portuguese first explored Africa in the 1400’s searching for gold
Europeans first used Native Americans for cheap labor; many died of disease or ran away
Africans were mostly immune to European diseases, had farming experience, and did not know the land
Between 15 and 1600, 300,000 Africans were sent to the Americas

3. Origins of Slavery Continued
Spain and Portugal- Africans worked in mines and on plantations
Dutch, French and English used Africans to work on Caribbean plantations
Many African rulers sold slaves for gold and guns
England began to dominate slavery by 1690
1.7 Million slaves in the West Indies
400,000 slaves transferred to North America
2 Million total slaves by the time slaves were freed

4. The Atlantic Slave Trade

5. A Forced Journey Triangular Trade-
Europeans traded goods for captured slaves
Africans were taken to West Indies and traded for sugar, coffee, and tobacco
European merchants would take goods back to Europe
Middle Passage- Brought Africans to the Americas
Very brutal
Many Africans died of disease and cruel treatment
Others committed suicide

6. The “Coffin” Position

7. Slaves Being Thrown Overboard

8. Slavery in the Americas
Once Africans arrived in the Americas they were sold at auction
Life of manual labor
Very little food
Endured beatings
Failed revolts
Slaves kept their music traditions and told stories of their ancestors
Consequences of the slave trade:
African families were torn apart
Introduction of guns to Africa
Africans brought their knowledge of agriculture

9. Think/Talk/Write Do you believe slavery exists today?
Take a minute and think about the question. ( 1 minute on the clock )
Turn to a partner and discuss your ideas. ( 2 minutes on the clock )
Now write your answer and remember to include supporting examples from your discussion. ( 5 minutes on the clock )