What was the “Middle Passage” and how did the “Middle Passage” effect African society?

The Middle Passage was a series of naval routes that connected the economies of Africa, North America, and Europe

Also known as the “Triangle Trade”

1500’s – 1870’s

Specialized in the trade of African slaves

9.5 million African enslaves

Early African Societies

The Great Zimbabwe

Following colonization of the New World, Europeans needed cheap labor

Mines & Plantations

Africa was a good area for three (3) reasons:

1.Immunity to European diseases

2.Experience with farming

3.Little knowledge of America

European traders testified that African slaves were treated fairly / comfortable passage

The Middle Passage Myth

In reality:Slave traders typically

lost 15 -20% of cargo in transitTotal = 2 million (1500-

1900)Disease / starvationRape & sexual assault“Cargo suicide”

How was the Middle Passage depicted for Europeans?

Some African rulers supported the trade

Sold rival tribes into slavery for guns, gold, alcohol, etc.

Others opposed the tradeKing Affonso’s plea

European avoided these areas (trade, slave-buying, etc.)