The middle passage was the second leg of the transatlantic slave trade. It was the transportation of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. It was a brutal and inhumane journey that lasted anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.
What Made it Horrible?
The middle passage was horrible for a number of reasons.
* Overcrowding: The slave ships were extremely overcrowded. Enslaved Africans were packed into the ships like cargo, with little room to move or breathe. This led to disease, malnutrition, and death.
* Poor Sanitation: The slave ships were filthy and unsanitary. There was no running water, and the enslaved Africans were often forced to live in their own excrement. This led to the spread of disease.
* Inadequate Food and Water: The enslaved Africans were given very little food and water. This led to malnutrition and starvation.
* Brutal Treatment: The enslaved Africans were subjected to brutal treatment by the crew of the slave ships. They were beaten, whipped, and raped. Many enslaved Africans were killed during the middle passage.
Estimates of Deaths
It is estimated that over 10 million enslaved Africans were transported across the Atlantic Ocean during the middle passage. It is also estimated that over 2 million enslaved Africans died during the middle passage.
A Lasting Legacy
The middle passage was a horrific experience that left a lasting legacy. It was a major factor in the dehumanization of enslaved Africans and the development of the racism that still exists today.