How were slaves treated during the Middle Passage?

Slaves during the Middle Passage were treated inhumanely, enduring brutal conditions, overcrowding, disease, and high mortality rates.

The Middle Passage was the second leg of the triangular trade route taken by European ships in the Atlantic, where millions of Africans were transported as slaves to the Americas. The conditions on these voyages were horrifically brutal. Slaves were packed tightly into the ship's hold, often chained together, with little room to move. The overcrowding led to a lack of fresh air and sanitation, resulting in the rapid spread of diseases such as dysentery and smallpox. It's estimated that 15-30% of slaves died during the journey due to these conditions.

The treatment of slaves during the Middle Passage was characterised by extreme physical and psychological abuse. Slaves were often beaten, whipped, and sexually abused by the crew. They were also subjected to mental torture, including the threat of death and separation from their families. This was done to instil fear and maintain control over the enslaved Africans. Many slaves chose to end their suffering by committing suicide, often by jumping overboard.

The slaves' diet on the ship was poor and insufficient, consisting mainly of beans, corn, yams, rice, and palm oil. The lack of proper nutrition further weakened their immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. Slaves who refused to eat were force-fed using a speculum oris, a device used to pry open their mouths.

The Middle Passage was a dehumanising experience for the enslaved Africans. They were treated as mere commodities rather than human beings, their identities stripped away as they were branded and given new names. The psychological trauma of the Middle Passage, coupled with the physical abuse, left lasting scars on the survivors and their descendants.

In conclusion, the treatment of slaves during the Middle Passage was a dark chapter in human history, marked by extreme brutality, inhumane conditions, and a complete disregard for human life and dignity. Despite the abolition of the slave trade, the legacy of the Middle Passage continues to impact the descendants of those who survived it.