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By historians’ best estimate, the Middle Passage between Africa and the New World transported

a) More than 5 million slaves over some 8,000 voyages
b) More than 8 million slaves over some 14,000 voyages
c) More than 11 million slaves over some 54,000 voyages
d) More than 15 million slaves over some 65,000 voyages

User Choletski
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Final answer:

By historians' best estimate, the Middle Passage transported more than 11 million slaves over some 54,000 voyages (option c). This figure is derived from the historical estimate of approximately 12.5 million Africans being loaded onto Atlantic slave ships, with about 11 million surviving the journey to the Americas.

Step-by-step explanation:

Historians estimate that the Middle Passage, the forced voyage of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas, saw more than 12.5 million Africans loaded onto Atlantic slave ships. Of these, about 11 million survived the harrowing journey to land in the Americas. The voyages took place over the course of approximately 366 years, and the mortality rates averaged around 12-13 percent due to the brutal conditions endured by the captives.

Given the historical data available, the correct option for the number of slaves transported through the Middle Passage appears to be the one stating 'More than 11 million slaves over some 54,000 voyages', which closely aligns with the estimated figures provided by historians. It takes into account the total number of Africans forced onto ships and the number of those who survived the Middle Passage to reach the Americas, as well as acknowledges the vast number of journeys made across the Atlantic Ocean during the period of the transatlantic slave trade.

User Alleo
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