Slavery in America began centuries before European colonisation and became...
History48 views·Updated 20 Aug 2026·2 pagesThe History of Slavery in America: Beginning and End
ningsdesire@ningsdesire
1
of 2
The Beginning of American Slavery
Slavery in America officially began in 1619, though it had existed for centuries before European colonisation. The Portuguese and Spanish were the first European countries to actively participate in the slave trade.
American colonists acquired their first 20 enslaved people from a Portuguese slave ship called the São João Bautista. This marked the start of what would become a horrific system lasting over two centuries.
The Middle Passage was the brutal journey that brought enslaved Africans to America and Europe. These voyages typically lasted around 80 days, with people packed tightly below deck in terrible conditions.
Did you know? About 15% of enslaved people died during the Middle Passage due to poor ventilation and lack of water. Survivor Olaudah Cugoano described it as "the brutish, base, but fashionable way of traffic."
2
of 2
The Scale and End of Slavery
Between the 1500s and 1800s, approximately 12 million enslaved people were transported from Africa. Most went to Brazil (4.8 million) and the Caribbean (4.7 million), whilst around 390,000 arrived in North America.
Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in ending American slavery. The American Civil War erupted because Northern states had abolished slavery whilst Southern states refused to give it up. Lincoln declared war, promising to end slavery completely if he won.
Lincoln's victory led to slavery being officially abolished in 1865 through the 13th Amendment. However, this legal change didn't immediately end racism or discrimination against formerly enslaved people.
Remember: Even after slavery ended, the fight for true equality continued for many more decades and still influences American society today.
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History48 views·Updated 20 Aug 2026·2 pagesThe History of Slavery in America: Beginning and End
ningsdesire@ningsdesire
Slavery in America began centuries before European colonisation and became a massive, brutal system that transported millions of Africans across the Atlantic. This tragic period shaped American history and led to a civil war that finally ended legal slavery in...
1
of 2
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The Beginning of American Slavery
Slavery in America officially began in 1619, though it had existed for centuries before European colonisation. The Portuguese and Spanish were the first European countries to actively participate in the slave trade.
American colonists acquired their first 20 enslaved people from a Portuguese slave ship called the São João Bautista. This marked the start of what would become a horrific system lasting over two centuries.
The Middle Passage was the brutal journey that brought enslaved Africans to America and Europe. These voyages typically lasted around 80 days, with people packed tightly below deck in terrible conditions.
Did you know? About 15% of enslaved people died during the Middle Passage due to poor ventilation and lack of water. Survivor Olaudah Cugoano described it as "the brutish, base, but fashionable way of traffic."
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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The Scale and End of Slavery
Between the 1500s and 1800s, approximately 12 million enslaved people were transported from Africa. Most went to Brazil (4.8 million) and the Caribbean (4.7 million), whilst around 390,000 arrived in North America.
Abraham Lincoln played a crucial role in ending American slavery. The American Civil War erupted because Northern states had abolished slavery whilst Southern states refused to give it up. Lincoln declared war, promising to end slavery completely if he won.
Lincoln's victory led to slavery being officially abolished in 1865 through the 13th Amendment. However, this legal change didn't immediately end racism or discrimination against formerly enslaved people.
Remember: Even after slavery ended, the fight for true equality continued for many more decades and still influences American society today.
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