The Terrible Transformation Mr可怕的转变先生. Hillerichs Social .pptVIP

The Terrible Transformation The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade I. European Exploration The years 1450 to 1750 brought enormous changes to the North American continent. 1. European explorers destroyed the world of the Native Americans. 2. Europeans also began a trans-Atlantic slave trade that would bring millions of Africans to the Americas. a. This slave trade would over time lead to a new social and economic system: one where the color of one’s skin could determine whether he or she might live as free citizens or be enslaved for life. II. The British Colonies By the early 1600’s, England was eager to gain a foothold on the North American continent. 1. Jamestown was first settled in 1607, and soon colonies up and down the east coast were being settled. 2. Labor to clear the forest, tend the plantations and farms, and work in the developing seafaring industry became a crucial concern. B. From 1619 on, the need for colonial labor was bolstered by the importation of African captives. 1. At first, Africans were treated as indentured servants, who would be free when their service was over. 2. However, over the course of the century, a new race based slavery system developed, and by the 1700’s, the majority of Africans and African-Americans were slaves for life. III. Europeans Come to Western Africa The history of the European seaborne slave trade with Africa goes back 50 years prior to Columbus’ initial voyage to the Americas. 1. It began with the Portuguese, who went to West Africa in search of gold. 2. Voyages were started by Prince Henry the Navigator who had these goals: To expand European geographic knowledge. To find the source of African gold. To locate a sea route around Africa to Asia B. In 1441, the Portuguese obtained gold from west African traders. 1. In 1442, the Portuguese obtained gold and ten African slaves. C. Forty years later in 1481, the Portuguese obtained permission to build a trading post in the Gulf of Guinea. They named the post Elmina, which means