The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade - Research Paper role modelThe trans-Atlantic slave trade has normally been considered moreover regarding the adults. However, now childrens experiences are also being counted. fit to an estimate, children made up one-quarter of the African slaves made to migrate to America. In spite of this big number on that point is indeed a lack of sources and apparently, no importance is given to what the children experienced, leaving their voices unheard. Enslavement Children were very opposed to participate in the slave trade and in spite of their age they saw themselves captured and in fetter afterward the war. The women, children and the older people became particularly vulnercapable after their men were killed during the war the ones who were spared death were then(prenominal) ransomed or even sold as slaves. After military expeditions, in that respect were commercial caravans that genuinely brought textiles and imported goods and traded the slaves w ith those. A nonher way of acquiring slaves, particularly children, was through kidnapping and this method was more universal in legitimate regions in West Africa. The kidnapping was done when the kids were away from their parents or guardians, maybe manifestly playing outside, working in fields or taking a calm walk. This was not the only way, however, and the traders even bought children from their families who were more than willing to sell them for money since they were desperate for money and food. Still, others were pawned or bargained for by their parents or used to repay debts or given to be acquitted of any crime they or their family members force have committed. Weak children were also sometimes sold and so were the ones whom their parents thought brought them ill luck. The upcoming events after the capture were a nightmare for the slaves. The traders sold off some children to be sent for the coast bit others were sold many times. Several of these kids remained within Africa only and became slaves to whoever bought them. Many others could not survive the sea route. The ones who were able to reach the coast alive were taken to a factory or post where merchants bought them and kept them inner(a) prisons with the other slaves. These children were then completely stripped and their bodies were rubbed with palm oil. Many times their heads were also shaven. After the merchants had bought their slaves they brand them in order to make sure that their property does not get mixed up with mortal elses and they are able to distinctly make out which their cargo is. The brand was normally a symbol on their chest or back. The Middle Passage According to the slave traders the individuals less than 44 in height were considered to be children and these children were permitted to interference on the deck with the women. These deck people were, on rare occasions, given certain favors such as giving them old clothes, teaching them how to play certain games or eve n how to sail. Some children, however, did not play or eat while others preferred to stay with the women and cry all night. If a child was taller than the specified height he was automatically kept with the adults and there they were treated like an adult too. The conditions there were worse and there was no concept of hygiene. If they cried or did not eat or sleep they were punished harshly.