The Middle Passage was the brutal part of the trade. Explain why.

Do you know what the Middle Passage was?

Do you know what trade?

You're right.

The Africans were crammed into these ships for three weeks or so.

http://www.ushistory.org/us/6b.asp

You're very welcome, Anna.

The Middle Passage was the stage of the triangular trade in which millions of Africans were shipped to the New World as part of the Atlantic slave trade?

Ms. Sue, thank you so much!

The Middle Passage was a term used to describe the part of the Atlantic slave trade where enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. It was considered the most brutal and inhumane phase of the entire slave trade system.

To explain why the Middle Passage was so brutal, we need to understand the conditions that enslaved Africans were forced to endure during the voyage. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happened during the Middle Passage:

1. Capture and Sale: Africans were captured from their homes, often through violent means, and then sold into slavery. They were forcibly separated from their families and communities.

2. The March to the Coast: Enslaved Africans were marched long distances, sometimes for weeks or months, to the coast where they would be loaded onto ships. This march was arduous and physically demanding, with many slaves suffering from exhaustion, hunger, and abuse along the way.

3. Crowded Ships: Once at the coast, enslaved Africans were crammed into the cargo holds of slave ships, known as "slave dungeons" or "slave pens." These holds were extremely overcrowded, with slaves tightly packed together. The lack of space made movement difficult, leading to physical discomfort and increased risk of injury or disease.

4. Inhumane Conditions: The living conditions on board the slave ships were horrendous. The enslaved Africans were kept in dark, unsanitary, and airless compartments. They were often shackled and chained for the entire journey, unable to move freely or even lie down comfortably. These conditions promoted the spread of diseases like dysentery, smallpox, and malaria, which claimed numerous lives.

5. Violence and Abuse: Enslaved Africans were subjected to constant physical and psychological abuse by the crew members. Beatings, whippings, and torture were common methods used to maintain control and instill fear. The violence served to dehumanize the captives and break their spirits.

6. Malnutrition and Limited Resources: The enslaved Africans were provided with minimal and inadequate food and water supplies. Malnutrition was widespread, leading to various illnesses and weakened immune systems. The limited resources also contributed to the high mortality rate during the voyage.

7. Resistance and Rebellion: Despite the brutal conditions, many enslaved Africans courageously resisted their captors during the Middle Passage. Some engaged in acts of defiance, such as refusing to eat, jumping overboard, or staging revolts. However, these acts often resulted in severe punishment or death.

Overall, the Middle Passage was brutal due to the combination of physical, psychological, and emotional torment that enslaved Africans endured throughout the voyage. The dehumanizing treatment, inhumane conditions, and high mortality rates make it one of the darkest chapters in human history.