Questions and Answers
What was the Middle Passage?
The Middle Passage was a series of routes which slave ships used to transport slaves from West Africa to the Americas.
When was the Middle Passage in use?
The Middle Passage was in use from 1500 to 1850.
How many total slaves were transported via the Middle Passage between 1500 and 1850?
11 million slaves were transported via the Middle Passage between 1500 and 1850.
How many of the 11 million slaves transported via the Middle Passage ended up in the Americas?
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What destination in the Americas received the majority of the slaves?
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What were the dimensions that a slave was allotted on a slave ship?
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Where did slaves vomit or relieve themselves on slave ships?
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Was there more than one level into which slaves were packed on some slave ships?
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Did disease ravage the slaves on slave ships?
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Did the slaves die in large numbers across the Middle Passage?
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Were the slaves malnourished across the Middle Passage?
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Which nation was the largest transporter of slaves and what percentage of the total slaves did this nation transport?
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Which nation was the second largest transporter of slaves and what percentage of the total slaves did this nation transport?
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What happened to the slaves almost immediately before they reached the end of the Middle Passage?
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Why were the slaves cleaned up and fed better immediately before the end of their voyage?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Middle Passage
- The Middle Passage refers to routes used for transporting enslaved individuals from West Africa to the Americas.
- Active between 1500 and 1850, a critical period for the transatlantic slave trade.
Scale of the Slave Trade
- Approximately 11 million slaves were transported through the Middle Passage during this timeframe.
- Of those, about 9.6 million were delivered to various locations in the Americas.
Major Destinations
- Brazil received the majority of the enslaved individuals transported to the Americas.
Conditions on Slave Ships
- Each slave was allotted space measuring 5 feet in height and 2 feet in width.
- Slaves were often unable to move freely and had to vomit and relieve themselves where they were chained.
- Some slave ships had more than one level for packing slaves, exacerbating conditions.
Health and Mortality
- Slaves were frequently ravaged by disease during the voyage, leading to significant mortality rates.
- Many slaves were malnourished throughout the journey, contributing to their weakened state.
Countries Involved in the Slave Trade
- Portugal was the largest transporter, accounting for 46% of all enslaved individuals brought to the Americas.
- England followed as the second largest transporter, responsible for 28% of the total slave transport.
Final Preparations Before Arrival
- Near the end of the Middle Passage, slaves were cleaned and provided with better food.
- This practice was aimed at improving their appearance to maximize appeal to potential buyers upon arrival.
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Description
Explore the significant historical context of the Middle Passage through these flashcards. Learn about its timelines, routes, and the impact it had on the transatlantic slave trade. This quiz is essential for anyone studying history, especially related to slavery and colonialism.
