Final answer:
The sailors on the slave ships were cruel to the slaves for several reasons, including maintaining control and preventing rebellion, and fearing the spread of diseases. Some sailors treated the enslaved Africans more humanely.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sailors on the slave ships were often cruel to the slaves due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, maintaining control and preventing rebellion was a priority for the sailors. By subjecting the slaves to harsh treatment and punishment, the sailors aimed to instill fear and prevent any attempts at revolt. Additionally, some sailors believed that buyers would not pay high prices for weak-looking slaves, so they forced the enslaved Africans to exercise on deck to appear strong and healthy.
Another reason for the cruelty was the fear of disease. The close quarters on the ship provided the perfect breeding ground for infectious diseases. If a slave fell ill or died, it reduced the captain's profit. There was also a fear that diseases like trachoma could spread to the crew, resulting in a slow death for everyone on board.
Despite the cruelty, it is important to note that not all sailors engaged in such behavior. Some sailors, known as abolitionists, actively opposed the slave trade and treated the enslaved Africans with more humanity.