Sugar Plantation Slaves

The Creation of an Atlantic Economy: Sugar and Slaves

by Goucher, LeGuin, and Walton

Read “The Middle Passage”, pgs. 6-7

- In one or two sentences, and in your own words, describe the conditions aboard a slave ship.

DEBRIEF

Amistad (1997)directed by Steven Spielberg

As you watch the clip, think about two things:

1) How is this supposed to make me feel?

2) What did the filmmakers leave out?

Documentary Video Clip: The Americas & the Globalization of Labor: Slavery and Resistance

http://www.learner.org/courses/worldhistory/unit_video_14-3.html?pop=yes&pid=2157#

We’ve looked at the video clip: The Americas & the Globalization of Labor: Slavery and Resistance. Now, read the following passages from Goucher, LeGuin, and Walton, work with a partner to answer the questions, and then we’ll discuss.

“African Slave Labor”, page 3

Why did the Carribean islands lack a sufficient labor force for sugar production?

What was the solution to the labor shortage experienced by plantations in the Americas?

According to the authors, why did racism against those of African descent begin to develop during this time?

“The Business of Slavery” & “Slavery as Mercantilism”, pages 4-5

Mercantilism is defined as: “A 16th and 17th century economic theory that a country’s strength and prosperity depended on the ammassing of gold reserves. This was to be achieved by developing production for export, limiting imports, and prohibiting the export of gold.”

European powers engaged in mercantilism by setting up certain private companies. What did these companies do? How did they impact the slave trade?

“The Slave Trade” & “Slaves and Guns”, pgs. 5-6

- How did slave traders obtain slaves? From whom? Where did many slaves come from in Africa?

- Describe the impact of guns and European import goods on African societies.