This essay has been written as an elaboration of my presentation of the subject
"Transatlantic Slave Trade" in the seminar "Discourses of Slavery" in summer
term 2007. It is supposed to give essential information concerning the subject.
It involves investigations on how the Atlantic Triangle worked (goods,
pants, figures), the history of the Slave Trade with particular focus on the
'Middle Passage' (circumstances, figures) as well as negative and 'positive' long
term effects of the slave trade on the Americas and on Africa. It concludes with
a n overview of important dates related to the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
[...]
Table of Contents
1. (1) The Atlantic Triangle
2. (2) On the History of the Slave Trade
3. (3) The 'Middle Passage'
4. (4) The Other Side of the "Slave Trade-Coin"
5. (5) Important Dates Related to the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Objectives & Core Topics
This essay provides an in-depth examination of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, analyzing the structural mechanics of the "Atlantic Triangle," the historical development of the trade, and the long-term socio-economic consequences for Africa and the Americas, culminating in a chronological overview of significant events.
- Mechanics of the Triangular Trade routes and economic exchanges.
- Human cost and demographic statistics of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
- Living conditions and psychological trauma during the "Middle Passage."
- Long-term socio-political impact on African and American societies.
- Chronological analysis of the rise and abolition of the slave trade.
Excerpt from the Book
(3) The 'Middle Passage'
The 'Middle Passage' was the middle part of the slave trade triangle. The so-called goods, the living cargo, were the Africans being made to slaves and transported across the Atlantic from the coast of Africa to the “New World”. Many did not survive this horrific journey, due to the inhuman circumstances. One big slave trading vessel held up to 600 slaves, men and women/children separated from each other, each of them granted as little space as possible to use every inch below deck.
Psychological trauma because of losing their homes or being punished and badly mistreated caused the death of many captives, chained below deck with the omnipresent smell of vomit, sweat, and human excrement. Many of the slaves would suffer from depression and the anxiety, that evil alien white cannibals would kill everyone. Olaudah Equiano (1745) is only one of many eyewitnesses who have painted these horror visions for the world to see, but also some captains of the trading ships have written down their version of the venture. Particularly female slaves had to face humiliation from the ship crew. Many other captives lost their lives due to malnutrition, diseases called 'fevers'; which were in fact: smallpox, dysentery, or ophthalmia, which is an eye disease. Some of the slaves committed suicide by leaping out into the sea to escape punishment, believing that they would return to their African homelands in their next existences; others were murdered by the seamen in command of their captains as attempts to control diseases in hopes, insurers would cover the loss of drowned slaves. On some ships, the African captives did not tamely resign themselves to their fate and held uprisings to the death.
Chapter Summaries
(1) The Atlantic Triangle: This chapter details the economic structure of the triangular trade routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, highlighting the goods exchanged and the estimated demographic impact.
(2) On the History of the Slave Trade: This section explores the origins of the slave trade, emphasizing the transition from existing African systems to the exploitative European model and the resulting political dynamics.
(3) The 'Middle Passage': This chapter examines the harrowing transit of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic, focusing on the mortality rates, inhumane conditions, and the psychological trauma experienced by the captives.
(4) The Other Side of the "Slave Trade-Coin": This section discusses the cultural and social synthesis that emerged in the New World as a result of the forced migration, including new languages, religions, and social structures.
(5) Important Dates Related to the Transatlantic Slave Trade: This chapter provides a comprehensive chronological record of key events, from the start of African exploration to the various acts of abolition across different nations.
Keywords
Transatlantic Slave Trade, Atlantic Triangle, Middle Passage, Slavery, Abolition, Plantation, Human Rights, Africa, Americas, Triangular Trade, Colonialism, Human Capital, Forced Migration, Economics, History.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this essay?
The essay explores the history, mechanics, and consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, covering the period from the 15th to the 19th century.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in this document?
The main themes include the Atlantic Triangular trade routes, the historical transition of slavery, the conditions of the Middle Passage, and the subsequent socio-economic development of the New World.
What is the main research objective of this work?
The objective is to provide a concise yet informative elaboration of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, offering a structured analysis of its historical development and long-term impacts.
What scientific approach was used for this study?
The paper utilizes historical analysis and quantitative data interpretation, drawing from secondary academic literature, survivor testimonials, and statistical documentation of the era.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The body covers the logistics of the slave trade, the life expectancy and demographics of enslaved people, the role of European and African actors, and the long-term cultural synthesis in the Americas.
Which keywords define this document?
The document is characterized by terms such as Transatlantic Slave Trade, Triangular Trade, Middle Passage, Abolition, and Colonial History.
How did the concept of the "Atlantic Triangle" function?
It was a three-way maritime route where Europe supplied manufactured goods to Africa, Africa supplied enslaved labor to the Americas, and the Americas provided raw materials back to Europe.
What was the significance of the "Middle Passage" regarding human mortality?
It represents the most devastating stage of the journey, where roughly one in three captives died due to malnutrition, disease, suicide, or murder at the hands of ship crews.
How did the author describe the cultural "other side" of the slave trade?
The author notes that while the trade was devastating, it also fostered the development of new communication, cuisine, music, and social organizations, central to the creation of the "New World."
- Quote paper
- M.A. Alexander Täuschel (Author), 2007, The Transatlantic Slave Trade, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/119297
