AMERICAN BEGINNINGS

September 6, 2013—What does it mean to be

a slave?

Journal

Slave trade in English settlements began in

1619 when 20 slaves arrived in Jamestown via Dutch ship.

Spain and Portugal already practice slavery, but England’s use didn’t grow until 1670s.

Most slaves came from W. African coast. Those taken as slaves were primarily wartime

captives, criminals sentences to enslavement, or debtors.

Background on Slavery in America

The Atlantic crossing, known as “the middle

passage,” was atrocious. For six to ten weeks, Africans were chained

below decks in cramped, confining spaces. Overcrowding, disease, and despair claimed

many lives.

The Slave Trade

http://

www.history.com/shows/mankind-the-story-of-all-of-us/videos/african-slave-trade

Olaudah Equiano

According to his autobiography, Equiano was

born a chief’s son of the Ibo (or Igbo) culture of present-day Nigeria.

Captured and sold as a slave to a series of African masters before making the journey to America on the Middle Passage.

Sold in the West Indies to a British Navy officer, Michael Pascal, who renamed Equiano as Gustavus Vassa.

Equiano’s Background

Equiano spent years fighting for Britain in

hopes of being freed for good service. Sold again in 1762 to a Quaker merchant,

Robert King, who trained him in business. In 1766, after 21 years as a slave, Equiano

bought his freedom, moved to London, and started a business career.

By 1773, he was at sea again, first to find a northwest passage, and later traveling the Central America and Turkey.

Equiano’s Background

In the late 1770s, Equiano returned to London

and became involved in anti-slavery efforts and converted to Christianity.

When the debate over abolishing slavery came to Britain in 1789, Equiano wrote, self-published, and promoted his narrative.

His narrative exposed the cruelty of the slave trade.

He died in 1797, only ten years before Britain abolished the slave trade.

Turning Points

Equiano’s narrative contains many details,

most of which can be supported by other sources.

In 1999, English professor Vincent Carretta uncovered two documents that suggested Equiano was not born in Africa His baptismal record from England A Ship’s passenger listBoth identify Equiano’s birthplace as South Carolina!

A Closer Look

Historians continue to debate the evidence

and how it may change the value of The Interesting Narrative.

Carretta points out that even if the narrative is based on oral accounts from other slaves, the descriptions still provide a valuable portrait of early African life and the Middle Passage.

Slave Narrative—the life stories of people

who survived slavery. Portrays the culture shock of a newly captured

African Focuses criticism on slave traders, not slave

owners Includes religious and moral appeals against

slavery

Literary Term

Mostly American and European abolitionists. Immediate purpose was to influence British

political leaders who were debating the slave trade issue.

Equiano’s Audience

Background of the narrative:

Tensions were high in the Massachusetts Bay Colony at the end of the seventeenth century.

Relationships between Native Americans (Wampanoag) and Europeans had broken down.

Colonial troops began driving the Wampanoag from their land. Cut off from food they stored for snowy months. In desperate need of supplies Angered by prior attack on Wampanoag

Mrs. Mary Rowlandson

40-year-old wife of a minister. Watched feud carry on around their house. Twenty colonists were killed and twenty-four

were taken captive, including Rowlandson and her son and daughter.

Who was Mrs. Mary Rowlandson?

Rowlandson was held captive for three months

before being ransomed back to her husband. After their release, she wrote an account of

her captivity. First American bestseller written by a woman. Spawned many imitations that claimed to be

true, even though they were largely fictional.

Rowlandson’s books offered a one-sided and

negative view of the Native American; however, her observations helped explain Indian culture to colonists.

Much of her story concerned details of the Indians’ struggle for survival.

Impact of the Narrative

What are the important events that take place

in the excerpt? What did you learn about the Native

Americans? What did you learn about Mary? Any additional important information

Olaudah Equiano & Mrs. Mary Rowlandson

worksheet—due Tuesday, September 10th!

Your Homework