The Triangular Trade+capture of slaves Flashcards
Why did Europeans decide to attack Africa for slaves?(2 points)
Africa was the only part of the known world that was not controlled by rulers who had weapons.
The fact that there was few slaves due to the wars in the 17th and 18th centuries and the desire to make money.
Describe the Triangular Trade
- Europeans sailed to the West Coast of Africa with goods such as weapons, pans, textiles. Then these were exchanged with slaves.
- Known as the Middle Passage, the travel between Africa and the Americas. Here slaves suffered a lot. 2 months to reach The Americas. Once reached, they were sold in plantations and bought sugar, tobacco and rum
- Came back to Europe, where life standard rose. Coffee houses got really popular so demand for sugar increased.
What were the Navigation Laws?
These laws said that all Trade from the colonies had to be carried in British ships. Also, colonies could only buy manufacture goods only from Britain and only sell tobacco, sugar, rum to countries in the British Empire.
What was a partnership?
When merchants joined together in the sail to Africa in order to share profits and losses
What type of crew should merchants have?
Surgeons, carpenters, sail-makers and coopers(Barrie makers) and ordinary sailors. IMPORTANTLY, a captain with experience dealing with African chiefs and with merchants in the African coast, who knew what conditions to expect when the ship anchored.
Why was important for merchants to arrive on time in the African coast?
They had to have enough time to collect slaves while at the same time, making sure they arrived in the Caribbean with time to sell slaves, and pick up a cargo of sugar, tobacco and cotton while it was in good conditions.
What were agents?
Some British merchants had agents working for them in Africa. These agents usually lived in European trading posts on the coast. They reunited a cargo of slaves at the coast ready and waiting for the slave ship to arrive.
What were barracoons?
Where slaves were held in the forts at the west coast. These were overcrowded, dark and airless prisons, often underground. Because of these conditions, many captives died in the weeks or months waiting for slavers to arrive.
Who were considered slaves in Africa?
- War prisoners
- Some kidnapped
- Committed crime
- Offended tribe customs
Name the two methods to get slaves
Agents
Sailing across the coast until the cargo was full
