The Undeniable Deaths Among African Slaves Before Reaching the Coast

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was a horrific era in history, with millions of African slaves losing their lives before reaching their destinations. This article delves into the sheer number of deaths that occurred during this traumatic period and explores the various factors contributing to these tragic losses.

Understanding the Scale of Death

Estimates suggest that around 1.8 million African slaves died before reaching the coast during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. These deaths occurred due to a variety of painful and preventable reasons, including illness, starvation, mistreatment, and even murder. Many slaves were intentionally thrown overboard as excessive weight during emergencies, a brutal practice that has left an indelible mark on history.

Death Rates and Their Context

The number of deaths varied depending on the route and the time period. For instance, the early years of the Atlantic Slave Trade saw particularly high mortality rates. Between 1637 and 1645, nearly 18% of slaves died on Dutch ships. In another period, between 1680 and 1688, British Royal African Company ships experienced a 23.5% death rate among their slaves.

These high death rates were so striking that memorials like a statue were placed in a Bristol canal to honor the memory of those lost. Such statistics highlight the inefficiency and inhumane nature of the slave trade, with many insurance companies even prospering from the losses that this "cargo" caused.

The Impact of Different Routes

The death rates varied depending on the destination. Slaves shipped to Brazil had lower death rates compared to those destined for the Caribbean and North America. The shorter journey to Brazil likely contributed to a lower mortality rate on this route. Nevertheless, even the lower death rates still resulted in vast human suffering and loss.

Later in the centuries, as anti-slave trade laws began to be implemented, efforts were made to keep more slaves alive. However, the risks and challenges faced by slave traders remained formidable. Some records indicate that as many as 25 slave traders could lose their lives per year due to the brutal conditions of the transatlantic crossings.

A Visual Representation of the Trade

The painting 'Above the Slave Ship' by J.M.W. Turner, created in 1840 and currently housed in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, provides a striking visual representation of the slave trade. This artwork not only captures the horror of the journey but also serves as a powerful reminder of the inhumane practices involved.

Further Insights and References

For a deeper understanding of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, several references provide valuable information. David Eltis and David Richardson's Atlas of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (2010) and Erik Boogaart and Pieter C. Emmer's The Dutch Participation in the Atlantic Slave Trade 1596–1650 (1979) are excellent starting points. Additionally, K.G. Davies' The Royal African Company (1957) and J. Black's The Atlantic Slave Trade in World History (2015) offer comprehensive analyses of the trade and its impact.

In conclusion, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was marked by numerous deaths and tragic human losses. Understanding the scale and context of these deaths is crucial for remembering the sacrifices of those brave souls who were kidnapped and forcibly transported across the Atlantic before reaching the coast.

References:

Eltis, D., Richardson, D. (2010). Atlas of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. New Haven: Yale University Press. Boogaart, E., Emmer, P. C. (1979). The Dutch Participation in the Atlantic Slave Trade 1596–1650. New York: Cambridge University Press. Davies, K. G. (1957). The Royal African Company. London: Fontana Modern Masters. Black, J. (2015). The Atlantic Slave Trade in World History. Routledge.