Question

What measures did the crew of slave ships take to ensure maximum profits from their business of transporting human cargoes?

a. Implementing efficient navigation systems

b. Reducing the space allocated per slave

c. Enhancing onboard medical facilities

d. Providing comfortable living conditions

Answer 1

The crew of slave ships ensured maximum profits by reducing the space allocated per slave, punishing rebellion, and minimizing deaths from illness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The crew of slave ships took several measures to ensure maximum profits from their business of transporting human cargoes:

1. Reducing the space allocated per slave: Captains often packed as many people as possible into the hold, hoping enough would survive to earn them a good profit. Some captains packed enslaved people into even smaller spaces than instructed.
2. Punishing rebellion: Captains harshly punished any attempt at revolt to maintain control and avoid losses.
3. Minimizing deaths: Illness was a constant fear, as every person who died reduced the captain's profit. To avoid the spread of disease, captains feared the most contagious diseases, such as trachoma, which could leave victims blind and decrease their value.