Slavery in America began centuries before European colonisation and became... Show more
History48 views·Updated May 31, 2026·2 pagesThe History of Slavery in America: Beginning and End
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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."
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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 May 31, 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... Show more
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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!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
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.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: 13th Amendment
1Most popular content in History
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user