Basic Facts
What was the trans-Atlantic slave trade?
The largest long-distance forced movement of people in recorded history.
In which century did the trans-Atlantic slave trade begin?
The sixteenth century.
Which regions of Africa were mainly involved in the trade?
West and Central Africa.
Why was speed during the coffle journey important to traders?
Slower travel increased costs and reduced profit.
About how many Africans were enslaved during the trans-Atlantic slave trade?
Over twelve million.
Approximately how many centuries did the slave trade last?
About three to four centuries.
Which continents were connected by the slave trade?
Africa, Europe, and North and South America.
What does dividing captives into “sound” and “makrons” show about trader priorities?
What does dividing captives into “sound” and “makrons” show about trader priorities?
Who were primarily responsible for buying and selling enslaved Africans?
European slaveholders.
Was the slave trade a short-term or long-term system?
A long-term system
Where did Europeans trade for captives?
At African ports along the coast.
Why was branding both commercial and regulatory?
It showed ownership and prevented swapping rejected captives.
Who were the victims of the slave trade?
✅ African men, women, and children.
Why is the slave trade considered historically significant?
Because it was the largest long-distance forced movement of people in recorded history.
Where were many captives taken before reaching the coast?
From the interior of Africa.
How did barracoons contribute to dehumanization?
They confined captives in dark, prison-like conditions.
Were people enslaved willingly or by force?
In which century did it end?
The late nineteenth century.
What happened to many captives during the journey to the coast?
Many died during the long overland journeys.
Why was the surgeon’s examination economic rather than medical?
It assessed sale value, not health care.