Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade And France in the 17th Century

England's control of the slave trade in Africa led to its exponential growth.
Initially, slaves were primarily those who committed crimes, were in debt, or engaged in political/religious opposition.
Demand for slaves increased greed, leading to more slave raids.
Soldiers from both Africa and Britain conducted raids on the West Coast, capturing people.
Innocent individuals were taken along with those fleeing from war, famine, and disease.
Captured individuals were marched in chains to holding pens on the coast.

The Middle Passage refers to the journey across the Atlantic for captured slaves, lasting 3 weeks to 3 months.
Conditions on the ships were horrendous; slaves were packed below deck with no ability to sit up.
Men sometimes remained chained together, leading to severe health issues.
The lack of facilities forced slaves to defecate where they were held.
Diseases spread rapidly on ships, contributing to high mortality rates.
Slaves were taken above deck briefly each day for health reasons.
It is estimated that 15 out of every 85 slaves died during the Middle Passage.

Upon arrival in the Americas, slaves underwent a sale process.
Sales conducted on the boats or land.
Auctions were common, where an auctioneer would present the slave's qualities and take bids.
The Scramble method involved buyers taking slaves from a fenced area.

The first year for newly arrived slaves was the most deadly, often called 'seasoning.'
High susceptibility to respiratory infections leading to many deaths.
In the Chesapeake, around 25% of Africans died during this first year.
Newly enslaved individuals faced the challenge of adapting to lives without freedom.

Transition of France under King Louis XIII from an Absolute Monarch toward a more limited role began.

Louis XIII (b. 1601, r. 1610-1643) was not an effective ruler and favored a luxurious lifestyle.
Most political decisions were made by Cardinal Richelieu (b. 1585, d. 1642), First Minister from 1624.
Richelieu aimed to consolidate absolute power for the monarch and France.
Policies were implemented to suppress the aristocracy and punish disobedience, which created resentment among them.

The aristocracy’s discontent with the king's authority persisted throughout Louis XIII and Richelieu's rule.
Both figures were unpopular when they died, largely due to the aristocracy's animosity.

Louis XIV (b. 1638, r. 1643-1715) became the longest reigning monarch, taking the throne at the age of five.
Regents, Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin governed due to his age.
Discontent with regents stemmed from their foreign origins and continuation of harsh policies towards the aristocracy.
The animosity towards the monarchy led to the Fronde rebellion.

The Fronde (1648-1652) was a rebellion of the aristocracy against Anne and Mazarin.
This resulted in a significant revolution forcing them to flee Paris briefly.
Ultimately, they suppressed the rebellion, leading young Louis to understand the need for control over the aristocracy.
Establishment of Versailles to distract the aristocracy with luxury and consolidate power.

Dutch War (1672-1678): Louis XIV invaded the Netherlands, gaining little territory touted as a significant victory.
War of the League of Augsburg (1688-1697): invasion of Germany angered much of Europe and led to rising discontent at home due to war fatigue.

(1701-1713): Controversial succession following the death of Spanish King Charles II without an heir.
Philip V, grandson of Louis XIV, was invited to the throne, raising European concerns over French dominance.
Resistance from other European powers led to the War of Spanish Succession, ultimately restricting Philip from inheriting the French throne.

Louis XIV died in 1715 due to old age.
Despite support from the aristocracy, many common people were displeased with his legacy due to wars and financial burdens.
His funeral procession faced disdain from segments of the population, showing their discontent.