The Middle Passage

1. The Middle Passage

2. AIMS: • To identify what conditions were like on board a slave ship during the ‘Middle Passage’. SUCCESS CRITERIA: • You can describe the difference between a ‘loose pack’ and a ‘tight pack’ ship. • You can describe 5 ways in which the Middle Passage was a horrific experience for the Africans.

3. The voyage from Africa to the New World was called the Middle Passage. • This journey could last between 6 and 11 weeks and for many slaves this was their worst experience.

4. Packing the Ship Tight Pack As the slaves were valuable cargo some ship’s captains would pack them into the hold with no space to move around. They were crammed into a hold barely 5 feet high with some on a shelf which ran around the edges. This type of slave transportation meant more slaves could be carried, but more would die due to their horrendous conditions.

6. Loose Pack This method of filling the ship meant that the slaves had more space to lie out and even move slightly. Fewer slaves died, so less money would be lost. Whether a captain opted for a ‘loose pack’ or a ‘tight pack’, the slaves were always chained. BBC - The horrors of the Middle Passage - History Video

7. Conditions on Board • On the next slide are some facts about conditions on board a slave ship. • Working with a partner, discuss the reasoning behind these facts.

8. Slaves were taken up to the deck of the ships when the weather was suitable. • Slaves were fed twice a day on porridge but were also given broad beans 3 times a week to provide them with their nutritional benefits. • Occasionally music was played on deck and the slaves were made to dance. • Slave ships had a doctor who would attempt to treat ill prisoners. • Slaves were hosed down most days with salt water.

9. Conditions on Board Read the sources issued describing conditions on the Middle Passage then answer the questions which follow.