Why did Prince Henry travel to Western Africa?
Exploring the West African Coast Prince Henry’s primary motivation, however, for exploring the west coast of Africa was to see how far Muslim lands extended to the south (to defeat them), and to find the legendary Christian empire of the priest-king Prester-John (who didn’t actually exist).
Why did the Portuguese explore the west coast of Africa?
Portuguese expansion into Africa began with the desire of King John I to gain access to the gold-producing areas of West Africa. The trans-Saharan trade routes between Songhay and the North African traders provided Europe with gold coins used to trade spices, silks and other luxuries from India.
How was slavery practiced in West Africa?
Slavery in historical Africa was practised in many different forms: Debt slavery, enslavement of war captives, military slavery, slavery for prostitution, and criminal slavery were all practised in various parts of Africa. Slavery for domestic and court purposes was widespread throughout Africa.
How were African slaves treated on ships?
They were taken on board, stripped naked and examined from head to toe by the captain or surgeon. Conditions on board ship during the Middle Passage were appalling. The men were packed together below deck and were secured by leg irons. The space was so cramped they were forced to crouch or lie down.
What restrictions were placed on slaves?
There were numerous restrictions to enforce social control: slaves could not be away from their owner’s premises without permission; they could not assemble unless a white person was present; they could not own firearms; they could not be taught to read or write, nor could they transmit or possess “inflammatory” …
What happened disabled slaves?
Plantation journals indicate that slaves with physical or sensory impairments were expected to work as long as they were able. In some cases, becoming disabled from work could lead to removal from the community of slaves, with elderly or disabled slaves being sent to live alone in the woods and fend for themselves.
How long did the Middle Passage take?
roughly 80 days
What happened to the slaves once they arrived in the Caribbean?
Once they arrived in the Caribbean islands, the Africans were prepared for sale. They were washed and their skin was oiled. Finally they were sold to local buyers. Often parents were separated from children, and husbands from wives.
What was the name of the dungeons where slaves were held before they were shipped out?
It was later used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Other Ghanaian slave castles include Elmina Castle and Fort Christiansborg. They were used to hold slaves before they were loaded onto ships and sold in the Americas, especially the Caribbean.