Slavery is one of the darkest periods of human history, and its remnants still impact society today. Many of us are aware of the broad outlines of this era, but few know the real details of how it worked and the impact it had on those who experienced it. Here, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the harshest truths about slavery—information that you probably never knew.
The Origins and Scope of Slavery
Slavery has ancient roots and exists in various forms in different parts of the world. The “Atlantic slave trade,” which brought African slaves to the Americas, began in the 16th century, but its peak was in the 18th century, when the colonies of North America were growing. By the time the trade ended in the 19th century, around 10-12 million Africans had been forcibly transported to the Americas as slaves.
The Horrors of the Middle Passage
The transatlantic slave trade was no ordinary journey. The slaves were chained in confined spaces in the ship’s hull, packed like sardines. They would remain in these conditions, often for months, while being transported from Africa to their new destinations. Disease was rife, and many didn’t make it through. Those who did survive were often sold into perpetuity to work under brutal conditions.
How Slaves Were Treated
Life as a slave was characterized by the deprivation of human rights and freedoms. Slaves had no personal property, couldn’t marry or keep relationships, and had little to no access to education. Their owners often used extreme violence to assert control over them, and life expectancy was, on average, only 20 years.
The Legacies of Slavery
Slavery endured for over 400 years and left an indelible impression on modern society. Even after its abolition, its remnants still exist, such as the institutionalized racism and discrimination experienced by people of color. Slavery also ingrained itself into the very fabric of American culture, from the language we use to the symbols we cherish.
Conclusion
Slavery was an insidious institution that dehumanized millions of individuals and stripped them of their basic human rights and dignity. While much progress has been made in combating institutionalized racism and discrimination, it’s important to remember that there is still work to be done. We must continue to educate ourselves and others on the harsh realities of slavery so that we can better understand the world we live in and work towards creating a more just society for all.
