Most captives died from diseases spread quickly in the tightly packed holds of ships.
The main cause of death among African captives being transported from the Americas on slave ships was diseases that spread quickly in the tightly packed holds of the ships.
The main cause of death among African captives being transported from the Americas on slave ships was diseases that spread quickly in the tightly packed holds of the ships. To get to this answer, we can look at historical records and accounts of the transatlantic slave trade. During the voyages, the enslaved people were crammed into small, unsanitary spaces, which facilitated the rapid transmission of contagious diseases such as smallpox, dysentery, and measles. These diseases were often fatal due to the lack of medical care and inadequate provisions on the ships. Additionally, malnutrition and dehydration from a lack of food and water were also significant factors contributing to the high mortality rate. Although instances of brutal beatings and slave mutinies did occur during the voyages, they were not the main cause of death.
