Question

Describe slavery in early America. State how slaves were brought to the new continent and how they were treated. Describe the differences in treatment in the Northern and Southern colonies. What role did slaves play in building the foundation of the United States?

Answer 1

The transport of slaves to the American colonies accelerated in the second half of the 17th century. In 1660, Charles II created the Royal African Company to trade in slaves and African goods. His brother, James II, led the company before ascending the throne. Under both these kings, the Royal African Company enjoyed a monopoly to transport slaves to the English colonies. Between 1672 and 1713, the company bought 125,000 captives on the African coast, losing 20% of them to death on the Middle Passage, the journey from the African coast to the Americas.