Triangular Trade

Question 1

describe life in Africa before the slave trade

Answer 1

1. People had jobs such as priests, scribes and doctors
2. Farming was the main form of employment in Africa
3. For currency they used bars of gold
4. Music and dancing were very important aspects of African culture
5. Africans had the skills to make saddles, farming equipment and cooking equipment
6. They had manuscripts and written books

Question 2

describe the triangular trade

Answer 2

1. In a British port a ship is loaded with goods that are in high demand in Africa such as guns, cloth, copper pots/pans and ammunition
2. The ship arrives on the West Coast of Africa and the goods are traded for a cargo of slaves
3. The slaves are taken into the ship, usually chained in the hold
4. The ship sails across the Middle passage, to the Carribean, taking 6-8 weeks and slaves were sold for plantation goods such as sugar, rum, cotton and tobacco
5. When the ship arrives back in Britain the plantation goods are sold and a profit is made
6. The process repeats many times over

Question 3

explain the conditions of the middle passage

Answer 3

1. Slaves were forced to dance to keep them exercised so they looked fit for their auctions, if they grew tired or refused to dance they were whipped by crew
2. Slaves were fed with ground up maize, horse beans and salted beef 10 slaves were often fed from 1 bucket
3. Any ill slaves were starved so no food was wasted
4. Only allowed on deck once a day if the weather was good
5. Men were kept in chains out of fear that they would overpower the crew but females could walk around free
6. If a slave refused to eat the crew would break their teeth and force them to eat
7. If a slave died they would be thrown overboard there was no ceremony