The Slave Trade

The slave trade was a highly lucrative trade for Britain and other European nations during the 18th and 19th centuries. Slaves were taken from Africa across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas in appalling conditions in a journey known as "the middle passage".

Take a look at this excellent website developed by the National Maritime Museum which examines the Triangular Trade, resistance to it, the reasons why it was abolished and its impact. Try the exhibition activity as a way of testing your understanding of the topic.

Other useful information can be found at the Channel Four site, and the Amistad site.
You can listen to Olaudah Equiano's famous account of his life, his enslavement, freedom and campaign to abolish slavery here.