The Atlantic Slave Trade: A Confrontation with Inhumane Acts

🌍The Atlantic slave trade involved the transportation of African slaves to the New World.

💰The trade was driven by profit, with European countries benefiting from the forced labor of African slaves.

⛓️Slaves were bought from African traders and transported across the Atlantic Ocean, facing harsh conditions and high mortality rates.

😢Many slaves died during the journey due to disease, mistreatment, or being thrown overboard by ship captains.

🗝️The Zong court case brought attention to the brutal and inhumane acts committed during the slave trade.

What was the triangular trade?

—The triangular trade was a system of trade between Europe, Africa, and the New World, in which manufactured goods were sent to Africa, slaves were transported to the New World, and plantation produce was brought back to Europe.

How many African slaves were transported during the Atlantic slave trade?

—Approximately 5 million slaves were transported to Brazil and 4.5 million to the Caribbean, while only a small number went to the United States.

What role did insurance play in the slave trade?

—Insurance policies were used to cover losses of slaves during transportation, with owners filing claims for compensation if slaves fell sick or died. However, insurance agents were often wary of potential misuse and scrutinized claims.

What impact did the Atlantic slave trade have on Africa?

—The slave trade devastated African societies, as millions of people were forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery. It disrupted local economies, social structures, and led to the loss of countless lives.

How did the Zong court case shed light on the slave trade?

—The Zong court case involved the drowning of African slaves by the ship's captain. The case drew public attention to the inhumane acts committed during the slave trade and sparked discussions about its morality.

00:13Students want to understand the relevance and impact of lessons, including history, on their lives.

01:15The Atlantic slave trade began with European exploration, primarily by Portugal, and involved the transportation of African slaves to the New World.

04:48The triangular trade was a key aspect of the Atlantic slave trade, with ships traveling between Europe, Africa, and the New World, exchanging goods and slaves.

11:15The Zong court case highlighted the inhumane acts committed during the slave trade, including the drowning of slaves by ship captains.

13:35The insurance policy for the ship 'The Zong' raised questions about the treatment and value of slaves during transportation.