History of Africa

Why was the transport of slaves from Africa to Americas called Middle Passage?

The transport of enslaved Africans from Africa to the Americas was called the Middle Passage because it was the second leg of the triangular Transatlantic slave trade route.

1. Europe to Africa (manufactured goods)

2. Africa to Americas (enslaved Africans)

3. Americas to Europe (raw material/agriculture products)

The passage from Africa to the Americas was the most grueling and dangerous segment of the voyage, as the enslaved were packed tightly into ships often with no sanitation, poor ventilation, and limited food and water. This inhuman treatment led to a high mortality rate among those enslaved during this journey, which is estimated to have claimed the lives of millions of people.