Primary Sources From The Transatlantic Slave Trade - Sp24 HIST 1422-70 World History - 1500 to Present (OCHS)
Primary Sources From The Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Capture
African raiding parties captured fellow Africans and brought them to the coast for sale to European slave traders.
Quote from Ottobah Cugoano highlights the betrayal by some Africans who participated in slavery and critiques the moral justification of enslaving others.
Cugoano contrasts conditions in Africa with those in the West Indies, describing the latter as far worse for the enslaved.
About Quobna Ottobah Cugoano
Born around 1757 in present-day Ghana.
Kidnapped at 13, sold into slavery, and later became an advocate against slavery in England.
Published works included Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species in 1787.
The Middle Passage
European slave traders transported captured Africans to the New World, experiencing horrendous conditions.
Olaudah Equiano describes the horrors of being transported, including stench, illness, and overcrowding.
Captives endured illnesses and deaths due to poor conditions and lack of care by the crew.
About Olaudah Equiano
Born around 1745 in modern Nigeria, kidnapped at ten and sold into slavery.
Gained freedom in 1766 and later became active in anti-slavery efforts in England.
Published his autobiography The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano in 1789, impacting public views of slavery.
Auction and Sale
Enslaved individuals were sold at auctions for 2-3 times their purchase price in Africa.
Mary Prince recounts her sad experience during her auction, where families were separated.
Her narrative captures the objectification experienced by enslaved Africans.
About Mary Prince
Born in Bermuda around 1788, experienced slavery across different islands.
Fought for her freedom in England, and authored The History of Mary Prince, offering insight into the plight of enslaved women.
Regret
Many involved in the transatlantic slave trade, including Africans, expressed regret over their roles.
King Affonso of the Kongo outlined in a letter to the King of Portugal the detrimental effects of the slave trade on his society.
A Letter to the King of Portugal by King Affonso of the Kongo Kingdom
Critiques the actions of those seizing people for slave trade in order to satisfy greed.
Affonso enacted laws to safeguard free citizens from being captured into slavery.
About King Affonso
Initially cooperating with Portuguese traders, Affonso later opposed the trade due to its societal destruction.
Amazing Grace Lyrics by John Newton
Hymn reflects Newton's personal journey from a slave trader to an abolitionist, emphasizing redemption.
About John Newton
Wrote Amazing Grace after experiencing a conversion and subsequent abolitionist fervor.
The hymn symbolizes unmerited favor and redemption through God's grace.