History
During what time period was the slave trade active? How many years did it continue?
1619-1888, 400 years
What items were used as compensation for slaves?
Gunpowder, Shells, Brandy
In what year were Africans first recorded in the United States?
1619
Why did the number of free blacks decrease from 1800-1860?
Increase in use of slaves on plantations where processing of cotton & tobacco very labor intensive
What early African American festivals and celebrations reflected the influence of African culture?
‘Lection Day, John Connu Festival
What is the middle passage?
Transatlantic transport of slaves from West Africa to Americas.
Which country monopolized the slave trade prior to 1700? After 1700? How did this impact where the enslaved Africans ended up and how the music developed in those areas?
Portugal, England, When Portugal was in control, more slaves went to Caribbean and South America; When England was in control, more slaves went to U.S. Catholic religion more prevalent in Portugal, closer to African model resulting in music closer to original African model in Latin and South America.
What were 4 obstacles for Blacks in adjusting to life in America?
Language, Culture, Adjusting to Way of Life. Isolation of large plantations in South. Opposition to slave knowledge and maintenance of African customs. White Fear. Paternalism.
Who was the founder of the first Black Baptist Church?
George Leile
Name three groups dedicated to the conversion of slaves to Christianity?
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Associates of Dr. Bray, Moravians
What percentage of slaves survived the passage?
80-85%
What was the significance of the triangular trade route?
Raw materials (Cotton, tobacco, sugar cane) to Europe from Americas; Finished goods from Europe to Africa; Slaves from Africa to Americas
From what tribes and what areas of Africa did most slaves come?
Ashanti, Dahomey, West Africa, Gold Coast, Ivory Coast
What is an indentured servant?
One who signed a contract to work for a specified period of time in order to pay off debt.
Why were Dr. Watts hymns used as a basis for early African American religious music?
What was available based on blacks attending white churches
What percentage of the total slave trade ended up in the U.S.?
5%
What was the significance of the "Amistad" Supreme Court decision and how did it influence the slave trade?
Start of recognition of Africans as people rather than property, beginning of an intensified anti-slavery movement
When and where was the first permanent black church founded?
Methodist 1787 Baltimore, MD
Baptist 1773 Savannah, GA/ Silver Bluff, SC Building in 1788
In what parts of the United States are Gullah people found, and why is their culture different from most African American culture?
Sea Islands off coast of SC and GA, Isolation allowed for more retention of African traditions.
What is Heartbreak Day?
Jan 1 Most common day for exchanging of slaves
What was a factor and what role did one play in the slave trade?
Exchange merchant, exchanged slaves for goods
Where were the majority of the Africans who survived the middle passage taken?
Caribbean Islands
What was the difference and between tight packing and loose packing, and what was the motivational philosophy behind each?
Quantity versus Quality
What were the origins of the John Connu Festival?
Named after Cebecera, tribal chief in West Ghana celebrated during Christmas or harvest
How did voodoo incorporate elements from other cultures?
Voodoo was a result of the syncretizing of African religious beliefs, many of which were from the Dahomey tribe, with Catholic beliefs and practices, and French West Indian culture. The practice was primarily centered on worship of the snake deity Damballa through singing, dancing, and spirit possession. However, other deities and saints were also glorified, similar to the Catholic church’s exaltation of the apostles, the virgin Mary, and the assignment of patron saints to bless and protect aspects of everyday life