Plantation Life Flashcards
How were slaves prepared for sale?
Slaves were washed, shaved, and rubbed with palm oil and rust to hide sores.
What was done to hide signs of dysentery in slaves?
A plug of tar or rope was inserted into a slave’s anus to hide signs of dysentery.
What happened during a ‘scramble’ auction?
Buyers paid a set price, and the doors of the auction yard were opened for them to rush in and grab slaves.
What happened to slaves who were too sick to sell?
Sick slaves, referred to as “refuse,” were left to die on the pier.
Why did plantation owners choose slaves from different tribes?
Plantation owners chose a mixture of Africans from various tribes to limit rebellion.
What happened to slave families after being sold?
Slave families were split up and sent to different plantations, and friendships formed during the voyage were broken.
What was the purpose of slaves on plantations?
Slaves existed only to work, with no future other than a life of endless labor for themselves and their descendants.
What type of work did most slaves perform?
Most slaves worked on sugar plantations, performing tasks like clearing land, cutting sugar cane, and working in mills or boiling houses.
What were the working conditions in the sugar boiling house?
The sugar boiling house was unbearably hot, smelled like sickly manure, and caused swelling of limbs. Even the strongest slaves could work there for only four hours.
How long were workdays on plantations, and what happened during harvest?
Workdays were typically 12 hours, and during harvest, work was nearly non-stop.
What living conditions did slaves endure?
Slaves lived in flimsy, draughty huts, were fed the cheapest food, and rarely ate meat.
What were slaves subjected to on plantations?
Slaves faced severe discipline, torture, cruelty, and sexual abuse. Whippings and punishments, such as cutting off hands or feet, were common.
Were slaves ever given any land or resources?
Some plantations allowed slaves small gardens to grow yams, vegetables, and raise pigs or poultry.
What was the average lifespan of a slave in the British West Indies?
On average, slaves in the British West Indies survived for only seven years.
Why were planters indifferent to the short lifespans of slaves?
Planters calculated they had made a return on their investment within seven years.
