African American Studies: The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

Between 10 and 12 million enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas over the course of _____ years. A. the last 50 B. 250 C. 400 D. 600

400

Where did enslaved Africans bound for Virginia or Georgia go for seasoning if they did not go there directly? A. Canary Islands B. West Africa C. Caribbean D. Britain

Caribbean

Why did some slave traders operate illegally, even before the slave trade was outlawed by many nations? A. Slavery was illegal in the 1500s. B. They wanted to avoid taxes and fees. C. They were carrying too many enslaved people on their ships. D. They were unaware of proper procedures.

They wanted to avoid taxes and fees.

Europeans were introduced to which of the following crops by the native people of the Americas? A. cotton B. cocoa C. tea D. sugar

cocoa

Who employed the most slave traders and sellers? A. European governments B. companies owned by European governments C. West African leaders D. They were self employed.

companies owned by European governments

Olaudah Equiano was an enslaved African who _____. A. became an enslaver himself B. described the Middle Passage in his autobiography C. argued that slavery should be limited to the Caribbean D. All answers are correct.

described the Middle Passage in his autobiography

What was the main cause of death for most of the indigenous people in Hispaniola? A. war with Europeans B. disease from Europeans C. enslavement at the hands of Europeans D. drought caused by over farming by Europeans

disease from Europeans

Before the Portuguese began trading for enslaved humans in West Africa, they traded for _____. A. ivory and gold B. salt and gold C. sugar and indigo D. coffee and sugar

ivory and gold

Which of the following was an effect of the slave trade on Africa? A. loss of population in Africa B. spread of European diseases C. economic stability in African kingdoms D. All answers are correct.

loss of population in Africa

Imagine you are a merchant engaged in triangular trade. You are currently carrying raw materials such as cotton and tobacco. What will you most likely trade these goods for when you reach port? A. enslaved Africans B. manufactured goods from Europe C. different raw materials from Europe D. manufactured goods from the Americas

manufactured goods from Europe

What goods were produced in European countries to be sold in the triangular trade? A. manufactured goods such as rum and guns B. raw materials such as sugar and cotton C. luxury goods such as gold and spices D. enslaved Africans

manufactured goods such as rum and guns

During the 1500s and 1600s, the slave trade to North America differed from the slave trade to the Caribbean because _____? A. slavery was made illegal in North America after the 1580s B. more enslaved Africans were sent to North America than to the Caribbean C. more enslaved women were sent to North America than to the Caribbean D. slavery in the Caribbean was more self-sustaining than it was in North America

more enslaved women were sent to North America than to the Caribbean

The guns, rum, and other manufactured goods from Europe that merchants traded for enslaved Africans _____. A. did not create a large amount of wealth B. often only went to wealthy merchants and government officials C. significantly improved the economy of many African states D. helped create political stability in West and Central Africa

often only went to wealthy merchants and government officials

During which of the following parts of the journey to the Americas did the greatest percentage of Africans die? A. the forced march to the African coast B. the Middle Passage C. the seasoning period D. All three parts had the same mortality rates.

the forced march to the African coast

Which of the following was the most profitable and most common crop grown in the Americas? A. coffee B. cotton C. indigo D. sugar

sugar

The largest number of enslaved Africans were sent to _____. A. British tobacco farms in North America B. homes of Spanish colonists in Central America C. sugar plantations in the Caribbean D. factories in British and Spanish colonies

sugar plantations in the Caribbean

The Worthy Park Estate in Jamaica maintained careful records of mortality of enslaved people on the plantation. In 1791, it experienced a mortality rate of about 20% because of _____. A. the seasoning of enslaved Africans B. attempted revolts C. enslavers inflicting punishment D. land disputes between Europeans and native people

the seasoning of enslaved Africans

Which of the following statements is accurate?= A. Political turmoil in Central and West Africa was often made worse by the European demand for enslaved Africans. B. The Pope condemned slavery as immoral and illegal in the 15th century. C. The slave trade in Africa did not exist until European merchants came to the continent. D. Europeans did not expand the existing slave trade in Africa.

Political turmoil in Central and West Africa was often made worse by the European demand for enslaved Africans.

_____ established plantations on islands off the coast of Africa. A. Britain B. France C. Portugal D. The Kingdom of Kongo

Portugal

The _____ were the first to establish trading posts and sugar plantations on islands off the northwest coast of Africa. A. French B. Spanish C. Portuguese D. British

Portuguese

Which of the following is a reason why so many Brazilian and Caribbean people are of African decent? A. The largest percentage of Africans in the slave trade was brought to sugar plantations in Brazil or the Caribbean. B. Nearly all of the Africans in North and South America who escaped enslavement fled to the Caribbean and to Brazil. C. Enslaved Africans in the Caribbean and Brazil had more control over their labor than in other places, so more of them survived enslavement. D. All answers are correct.

The largest percentage of Africans in the slave trade was brought to sugar plantations in Brazil or the Caribbean.

Which of the following statements is NOT accurate? A. European demand for enslaved labor worsened political turmoil in Central and West Africa. B. In the 15th century, the Pope encouraged enslaving people who were not Christian. C. The slave trade in Africa did not exist before European merchants came to the continent. D. Europeans established trading posts in Africa, which led to their involvement in the slave trade.

The slave trade in Africa did not exist before European merchants came to the continent.

In 1452, the Pope in Rome published an announcement that promoted the enslavement of non-Christians. Which of the following statements does this support? A. Few people, other than merchants, supported the slave trade. B. The slave trade was not only backed by governments but also by religions. C. Christians did not live in Africa in 1452. D. Before 1452, no Roman Catholics in Europe owned or sold enslaved people.

The slave trade was not only backed by governments but also by religions.

The slave trade in Africa _____. A. grew under the influence of European traders B. did not exist until Europeans arrived C. was modeled after the slave trade in Europe D. was not affected by European colonization

grew under the influence of European traders

During the 400 years of slavery in the Americas, where were most enslaved Africans sent? A. Virginia B. Hispaniola C. Brazil D. Louisiana

Brazil

Which of the following is NOT a reason Europeans brought enslaved Africans to the Americas? A. Enslaved Native Americans died from exposure to European diseases. B. Africans were immune to diseases in the American tropics, but Europeans were not. C. Not enough Europeans wanted to work on plantations. D. Enslavement was an accepted custom in many African cultures.

Africans were immune to diseases in the American tropics, but Europeans were not.

For which of the following reasons did European colonists stop using Native Americans for slave labor? A. Native Americans had the advantage of knowing the land well, which made it easier to flee from captors. B. The Native American population was decreasing due to European diseases. C. Many Native Americans had the will and weapons to resist European enslavers. D. All answers are correct.

All answers are correct.

The island of Cape Verde was _____. A. located off the coast of Africa B. one of the first places Europeans took enslaved Africans C. used for growing sugar on plantations D. All answers are correct.

All answers are correct.

Which of the following was a common cause of death for enslaved Africans who came to the Americas? A. disease B. exhaustion C. suicide D. All answers are correct.

All answers are correct.

Which leg of the triangular trade made money for European traders and ship owners? A. the trip from Europe to Africa B. the trip from Africa to the Americas C. the trip from the Americas to Europe D. All legs of the trip were profitable.

All legs of the trip were profitable.

Which of the following is the most likely explanation for why so many European countries started colonizing foreign lands in the 1500s and 1600s? A. Colonies were the best way for a country to increase its wealth, which meant more power. B. The populations of many European countries were growing so rapidly that many needed more space for people to live. C. Temperature decreases in Europe pushed many people to look for warmer climates. D. European countries needed more land for the growing number of factories that were being built.

Colonies were the best way for a country to increase its wealth, which meant more power.

Why did European colonists stop using Native Americans for slave labor? A. Disease and resistance meant that fewer Native Americans were available to work. B. Native Americans were only willing to work as slave labor for their own people. C. Native American societies were not in the Caribbean islands. D. All answers are correct.

Disease and resistance meant that fewer Native Americans were available to work.

Captain Smith is a merchant engaged in the triangular trade. He is currently carrying raw materials such as cotton and tobacco, which have recently been harvested. Which of the following is most likely to be his next destination? A. Europe B. the Americas C. Africa D. Asia

Europe

In the 1600s, large amounts of raw materials from Spanish and English colonies in the Americas were taken to _____. A. West Africa B. the Caribbean C. Europe D. New England

Europe

The Triangular trade linked _____. A. Asia, Europe, and Africa B. England, South Africa, and North America C. North America, South Africa, and East Asia D. Europe, Africa, and the Americas

Europe, Africa, and the Americas

Merchants in _____ received enslaved Africans in exchange for raw materials. A. Europe B. European colonies in the Americas C. Africa D. England

European colonies in the Americas

Once they arrived in the Americas, enslaved Africans were forced to work for _____. A. Native Americans B. U.S. citizens C. European farmers and landowners D. other enslaved Africans

European farmers and landowners

Which of the following statements about the slave trade is accurate? A. The slave trade in Africa started around the time of European exploration. B. Africa was the only continent with an established slave trade. C. European involvement helped expand the slave trade within Africa. D. Europe entered the slave trade in the 1400s.

European involvement helped expand the slave trade within Africa.

What destination was Christopher Columbus trying to reach when his ship first landed in the Americas? A. West Africa B. India C. Portugal D. Brazil

India

Which of the following statements best describes the African slave trade? A. It inspired many European countries to start colonizing lands and growing cash crops. B. It arose as part of a complex system of trading between three continents. C. It did not become a major force in the global economy until the 1800s. D. It already existed completely independent of any European governments.

It already existed completely independent of any European governments.

Which of the following was NOT one of the advantages of growing sugar? A. It sold for a high price in Europe. B. It was easy to store during shipment. C. It required little human labor. D. It was used in making alcohol; therefore, there was a high demand for it.

It required little human labor.

How did the Middle Passage get its name? A. The trip from Africa to Europe usually took place in the middle of the summer. B. Middle comes from the Portuguese word for slavery. C. Europeans considered the Atlantic Ocean the middle of the world. D. It was the middle leg of the triangular trade for European merchants.

It was the middle leg of the triangular trade for European merchants.

Which of the following best explains why merchants mostly shipped luxury crops like tobacco instead of staple foods like corn? A. Demand for staple foods in Europe was low in the 1500s. B. Luxury goods earned the seller more money than staple goods. C. Land in European colonies was always more suited for growing luxury crops than staple foods. D. Colonists did not know how to grow staple foods.

Luxury goods earned the seller more money than staple goods.

Which of the following factors contributed to the increased unrest in West Africa during the Atlantic slave trade? A. Many Portuguese traders resettled and colonized the West African coast. B. Many West Africans relocated to East Africa to avoid becoming caught up by the slave trade. C. Many Arab traders stopped coming to West Africa as a result of the slave trade. D. Many Portuguese traders sold weapons to West Africans in exchange for enslaved Africans.

Many Portuguese traders sold weapons to West Africans in exchange for enslaved Africans.

Which of the following statements about European slave traders is NOT accurate? A. Many were pirates based in the Caribbean. B. Many operated illegally and did not pay taxes or fees. C. British slave traders shipped more enslaved Africans than traders from any other country. D. Many worked for companies chartered by European governments.

Many were pirates based in the Caribbean.

Why did the Portuguese turn to slave labor to grow sugar on the tropical islands off the coast of Africa? A. Many Africans were eager to leave their homes to work in the sugar business. B. Purchasing enslaved Africans was easier and cheaper than finding people who wanted to do this work. C. Portuguese workers were not resistant to the diseases on these tropical islands. D. Slave labor had already been used to grow sugar in European countries.

Purchasing enslaved Africans was easier and cheaper than finding people who wanted to do this work.

By the 1800s, fewer captive Africans were dying during the Middle Passage. What was the reason for this improvement in mortality rates? A. The slave traders were treating their captives better. B. Fewer diseases were infecting the captives. C. Slave ships were faster and crossed the ocean in less time. D. Slave traders began to ship Africans to colder climates.

Slave ships were faster and crossed the ocean in less time.

Which country was the first one known to use enslaved Africans in the Americas? A. England B. Spain C. Portugal D. the United States

Spain

Which of the following statements about the seasoning of enslaved Africans is accurate? A. Falling ill during seasoning was a myth and was not based on actual experiences. B. The seasoning period claimed the lives of many enslaved Africans before they started working. C. European colonists had less immunity than enslaved Africans to the tropical diseases that attacked in the seasoning period. D. Diseases during seasoning only affected those who changed their diet in the Americas.

The seasoning period claimed the lives of many enslaved Africans before they started working.

Which of the following was NOT an advantage of shipping luxury products like tea, coffee, and opium by sea? A. They could be stored compactly. B. They were often in high demand. C. They could all be transplanted and grown in Europe. D. They were all expensive so their trade was profitable.

They could all be transplanted and grown in Europe.

Which of the following was an advantage of shipping luxury products like tea, coffee, and opium by sea? A. They could be transported compactly and cheaply. B. Sea routes were always shorter than land routes. C. They could be transplanted and grown in Europe. D. The sea air discouraged molding and rotting.

They could be transported compactly and cheaply.

Which European explorer helped Portugal dominate the Eastern spice trade by finding a way to India? A. Vasco da Gama B. Christopher Columbus C. Olaudah Equiano D. Dom Alfonso

Vasco da Gama

How did wars in West Africa affect the slave trade?= A. Wars made Africans less likely to sell people into enslavement. B. Wars made Europeans more reluctant to trade in West Africa. C. Wars reduced the costs Europeans paid for enslaved Africans. D. Wars allowed Europeans to take enslaved Africans for themselves.

Wars reduced the costs Europeans paid for enslaved Africans.

Olaudah Equiano's biography helped inspire and encourage _____. A. slave traders B. abolitionists C. plantation owners D. West Africans

abolitionists

As of 2009, what percentage of the U.S. population can trace their roots to Africa? A. about 5% B. about 12% C. about 20% D. about 25%

about 12%

In the 1500s, about how long might it take a slave ship to go from West Africa to the Americas? A. about six weeks B. about four months C. about eight months D. about a year

about four months

Many European countries used the tropical lands that they colonized to _____. A. grow staple crops such as wheat B. experiment with crop rotation C. grow their own spices so they did not have to trade with India and China D. grow exotic crops that could not be grown in the colder climates of Europe

grow exotic crops that could not be grown in the colder climates of Europe

Where was the least likely place that enslaved Africans would be sent to work once they arrived in the Americas? A. sugar plantation in the Caribbean B. plantation in a southern state in the U.S. C. house in a northern state in the U.S. D. sugar plantation in Brazil

house in a northern state in the U.S.

The incident of the Zong reflects the cruel nature of slavery in accounts that describe _____. A. how enslaved people were held at slave castles before crossing the Atlantic B. how sick enslaved people were thrown overboard C. the careful seasoning process enslaved Africans endured D. the separation of parents and children

how sick enslaved people were thrown overboard

Most slave traders were _____. A. private merchants B. not working for European governments C. not interested in profits D. members of European navies

private merchants

European explorers in the 1400s were originally looking for _____. A. new lands to colonize B. coffee and sugar growing regions C. enslaved Africans to buy D. sea routes to East Asia

sea routes to East Asia

Enslaved Africans who survived disease once they arrived in the Americas were considered _____. A. maroons B. indentured C. freemen D. seasoned

seasoned

Imagine you are a merchant engaged in triangular trade. Your ship is currently carrying raw materials such as cotton and tobacco. Where have you mostly likely returned from? A. Europe B. the Americas C. Africa D. Asia

the Americas

The practice of slavery was first started in the Americas by _____. A. the U.S. B. the British C. the Spanish D. the Portuguese

the Spanish

Enslaved Africans might have been considered seasoned if _____. A. they came directly to the Americas from Africa B. they had worked through one winter C. they had survived in the Americas for a few years D. they immediately worked on sugar plantations in the Caribbean

they had survived in the Americas for a few years

On average, ships that crossed the Middle Passage during the 16th century took ____ to complete their voyage. A. 20 to 30 days B. five to eight weeks C. three to six months D. one to two years

three to six months

If enslaved Africans survived the Middle Passage they could expect _____. A. to survive their ordeal in the Americas B. to experience harsher conditions in the Caribbean C. to be sent to North America D. to be returned to Africa

to experience harsher conditions in the Caribbean

Why did Portugal finance explorations around the continent of Africa in the 1400s? A. to locate regions where the slave trade was already established B. to establish trading posts to trade for raw materials from the Americas C. to establish colonies for people wanting to leave Portugal D. to find a water route to countries involved in the spice trade

to find a water route to countries involved in the spice trade

During the 1400s and 1500s, many European explorers and adventurers searched for unknown or undiscovered _____. A. sources of slave labor B. places to grow sugar C. trade routes and lands D. Muslim empires

trade routes and lands

Which of the following did NOT contribute to the high mortality rate of enslaved Africans in the Americas? A. tropical diseases such as malaria B. despair over being held in permanent enslavement C. heavy labor demands D. violence within enslaved communities

violence within enslaved communities

European owners of plantations in the Americas _____. A. treated enslaved Africans relatively well B. preferred not to use slave labor if other laborers were available C. were dependent on slave labor to keep up their production D. did not start using enslaved Africans until after 1700

were dependent on slave labor to keep up their production

Most people who were enslaved and taken from Africa to the New World _____. A. came from families that had been enslaved for generations B. were enslaved as a result of wars, crimes, or debts C. were captured by Europeans on slave raids D. were seeking passage to the Americas

were enslaved as a result of wars, crimes, or debts

The majority of enslaved Africans _____. A. died during the Middle Passage B. were sent to islands off the African Coast C. were sent to the Caribbean and South America D. were sent to the American colonies of Virginia and South Carolina

were sent to the Caribbean and South America

Most European slave traders _____. A. were pirates based in the Caribbean B. operated legally and paid taxes regularly C. were explorers from Portugal D. worked for companies chartered by European governments

worked for companies chartered by European governments