Resistance and Impact of the Slave Trade
This page discusses how enslaved people resisted their oppression and examines the wide-ranging impacts of the slave trade on Africa, the Caribbean, and Britain.
Slave Resistance on Plantations
Despite the severe risks, enslaved people found various ways to resist their oppression:
- Running away from plantations
- Working slowly to sabotage productivity
- Breaking tools and equipment
- Committing suicide as a final act of defiance
- Pretending to be ill to avoid work
Highlight: The courage and resilience of enslaved people in the face of overwhelming oppression is evident in their diverse forms of resistance.
Impact of Slave Trade on Africa
The negative impact of slave trade on Africa was profound and long-lasting:
- Slave factories were built along the coast, disrupting local communities.
- Families were torn apart as people were captured and sold.
- Entire villages were destroyed in slave raids.
- Famine became more common as agricultural labor was depleted.
- The population decreased significantly in many areas.
- Increased warfare as groups competed to capture slaves for sale.
Example: The social impact of slave trade in Africa included the destruction of traditional social structures and increased conflict between different ethnic groups.
Impact on the Caribbean
The slave trade dramatically reshaped Caribbean societies:
- Economies became reliant on sugar production.
- The landscape was altered to accommodate plantations.
- Indigenous cultures, like the Arawaks, were wiped out.
- Racism became deeply entrenched in society.
- Specific laws were created to control enslaved populations.
- There was an increase in violence throughout society.
Impact of Slave Trade on Britain
While devastating for Africa and the Caribbean, the slave trade brought significant wealth to Britain:
- Increased employment in ports and related industries
- Growth of banks and insurance companies
- Development of waterfronts and harbors
- Construction of mansions for wealthy traders
- Expansion of manufacturing companies
- Sugar and tobacco became important commodities
Highlight: The question of "How did Britain benefit from the slave trade?" reveals the stark contrast between the economic gains for Britain and the immense human suffering caused by slavery.