AFRICANS - EARLY MODERN

Question 1

Why did Africans migrate during the Early Modern period?

Answer 1

Persecution - Many Africans, especially Muslims, came to Britain to escape religious persecution faced in Europe, especially in Spain. They had been forced out of Spain in 1568 b/c they rebelled against the government
Recruitment - Many Africans were recruited to work in Royal Households as servants, like Catherine of Aragon
Escape - they escaped slavery to Britain b/c it was illegal in Britain
Trade - The company of royal adventures trading to Africa was set up in 1660 which developed trade links between Africa and England

Question 2

What were the experiences of Africans in the
Early modern period?

Answer 2

Freedom: Slavery was illegal in Britain
Range of jobs: Africans held diverse roles such musicians, servants,, wealthy citizens, and silk weavers. It became fashionable to employ black children as servants.
Equality: equal pay and status (early modern pen milancoolited with religion and wealth than colour). John Blanke argued for equal pay for Henry Vill and got it. But some faced racialised hate.
Some were runaway slaves seeking freedom.