History - Transatlantic Slave Trade Flashcards
What were the 3 main locations of the Triangle Trade?
The UK, west coast of Africa, Caribbean Islands (West Indies)
What was traded from UK to Africa?
Manufactured goods: textiles, guns, alcohol
What was traded from Africa to the Caribbean Islands?
Enslaved Africans. This is known as the Atlantic/Middle Crossing.
What was traded from the Caribbean Islands to the UK?
Raw materials: tobacco, sugar, cotton
Examples of slavery in African culture before Britain arrived
Serfs, indentured servants . African Kings enslaved criminals, prisoners of war, debtors.
How many people were transported across the Atlantic in total?
12 million over 300 years. British ships took part in 10000 voyages and transported 3.4 million people.
When was the height of the trade?
1760s: over 80000 a year (half on British ships).
How did Africans get enslaved by the British?
British traded with local rulers/kings.
Captured in raids.
Long-term consequences in Africa (3 things)
Lost 10s of millions of people, changing demographics.
Couldn’t develop as much, damaged future economy.
After the slave trade abolished, countries’ economies crashed -> vulnerable for Scramble for Africa.
How did Britain justify enslaving the Africans (relating to Christianity)?
“Africans were inferior and unequal, destined to be enslaved.”
This is against ‘love thy neighbour’ and created racial bias.
What weapons did sailors use on the enslaved Africans?
Iron muzzles and whips.
Which ship and when did the insurance tragedy occur on?
The Zong, 1780s
How many people were thrown overboard on the Zong?
132.
What % of the enslaved Africans died on the Atlantic Crossing?
23%
When was the plans for the ship Brookes made?
1788
When was the painting for the ship Alabanoz made?
1846
Punishments faced by enslaved Africans on plantations.
Whip (overseers)
Sold away from family/friends
Punishments of runaways (4 things)
Hung
Ears cut off
Work in irons
Whipped
(Jamaica 1783)
Who used the cat’o’nine tails?
Lady of the house.
Why was the cat’o’nine tails shocking to the British?
- women weren’t seen as powerful or strong
- didn’t know slaves faced so much violence
Define ‘racial bias’.
Thinking one race is better than another.
