Question

Slave rebellions were a not uncommon experience on slave ships. Which of the following was not a common way for those enslaved to rebel or resist their imprisonment?

1) Refusing to eat
2) Jumping overboard
3) Forming alliances with the crew
4) Engaging in physical violence

Answer 1

Enslaved Africans resisted in many ways on slave ships, but forming alliances with the crew was not a common method. Commonly documented methods included refusing to eat, jumping overboard, and engaging in physical violence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Within the historical context of the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans resisted oppression in various ways onboard slave ships. However, one method was not commonly reported: forming alliances with the crew. There are several documented methods by which enslaved individuals attempted to resist or rebel during their forced journey, including refusing to eat, which was a form of passive resistance; jumping overboard, either in an act of defiance or preferring death over bondage; and engaging in physical violence, where they would fight against their captors or participate in organized rebellions.

Slave rebellions and insurrections were frequent, though they were often met with severe punishment, and the risk of retribution was high. Nonetheless, enslaved Africans exercised resistance in both overt and covert ways, constantly challenging the oppressive system in which they were trapped.