The Atlantic World: West Africa and Slavery

Three ancient West African Kingdoms

Ghana, Mali, Songhai.

Land of Gold

Ghana was known as the Land of Gold.

Mansa Musa

The most famous king of Mali and considered the richest man in the world.

Timbuktu

A city that became a center of trade and learning.

Ashanti region modern countries

Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Golden Stool Legend

The Golden Stool fell from the sky representing the soul and unity of the Ashanti people, and no one may sit on it.

Main trade items of Ashanti

Gold and Kola Nuts.

Igbo people's modern locations

The Igbo people lived in modern-day Nigeria.

Igbo government system

The Igbo people had a government system with no single king, instead using councils of elders.

Wealth measurement by Igbo

Wealth was measured by the amount of yams.

Congo Kingdom location

The Congo Kingdom was located in present-day Angola and the DRC.

Bakongo people and slave trade

The Bakongo people were involved in the slave trade with Portugal.

Main trade items of Bakongo

Salt, copper, and cloth.

Griots' role

Griots were storytellers, poets, and keepers of history in West African societies.

Door of no return

The final door in a slave fort that enslaved people passed through before being forced onto ships.

Triangular Trade

A trade route between Europe, Africa, and the Americas involving rum, guns, enslaved people, money, sugar, cotton, and tobacco.

Chattel slavery

A form of slavery where enslaved people are treated as property for life, differing from ancient forms that were often temporary.

Middle Passage

The journey of enslaved Africans to the Americas, lasting 6-12 weeks with high death rates due to overcrowding and disease.

Main cash crops of southern colonies

Tobacco, rice, and indigo.

Half-freedom in New Amsterdam

Enslaved people could own land but still had to work for the Dutch West India Company and pay fees.

Cultural traditions maintained by enslaved people

Through music, stories, religion, spiritual practices, family bonds, and food traditions from Africa.

John Punch's story

Shows that after running away, he was enslaved for life, indicating that enslavement became race-based.

Stono Rebellion

A 1739 slave revolt in South Carolina where enslaved people attempted to escape to Florida for freedom.

Legalization of slavery in