The Slave Trade Essay

Submitted By daniibanii
Words: 573
Pages: 3

HIS-335-06
September 30, 2014
The Slave Trade

There are many factors that contributed to the African Slave Trade. Some would state that the Europeans were the “bad guys” but if you look a little deeper into the origin of this twisted practice of trading human life: like a salesman would a car, you would see not only the Europeans played a part in it, but some Africans did as well. After analyzing the various roles the Europeans and Africans played, I’ve came to the realization that a broad number of slaves were captured by the Europeans, they were then treated very poorly and with little respect, and
The Europeans captured many Africans for enslavement. It was to their beliefs that the Africans would be great workers on farms and plantations. As a result, the Africans were placed in large slave ships to be transported across the Atlantic. Because of the vast number of slaves aboard, space was very limited. “And so the slaves lie in two rows, one above the other, and as close together as they can be crouded…” (35). Being tightly packed together resulted in not only discomfort, but was life threatening as conditions worsened. As stated in the text, “being so crouded in a low place, is perpetual, and occasions may distempers, or at best great inconveniences dangerous to their health…” (35). The Europeans observed that some slaves become desperate to fight back on account of their captivity. They thought that if action weren’t taken immediately, the slaves will refuse to obey orders and attempt to escape. An example of how the Europeans took actions against the slaves is, “we use to visit them daily, narrowly searching every corner between decks, to see whether they have not found means, to gather any pieces of iron, wood, or knives, about the ship.” (35). They were mainly focused of disappointing any attempt the slaves might make all of a sudden. However, the slaves were allowed limited “freedom” while aboard the slave ship. Crew members would allow them to visit the deck in good weather to obtain fresh air and take their meals. “Towards the evening they diverted themselves on the deck, as they thought fit, some conversing together, others