The Differences Of Slavery And The English Colonies

1233 Words5 Pages
The Differences of Slavery in Africa, the Spanish Colonies, and the English Colonies During the 16th and 19th centuries, slavery was widespread throughout the world. It was practiced by African and European countries to facilitate labor in their colonies abroad. These cultures, who were economically dependent upon the slave trade, also utilized slaves to fill vacancies wherever the citizenry failed to meet the needs of labor. The areas that are experienced in the primary sources are the English colonies of North America, Spanish colonies that spanned from Florida through the Caribbean Islands, and Africa, the European source for slaves, which utilized slaves similar to livestock headed for the market. Whether one was a slave of the English, Spanish, or Africans, slaves were treated differently based on control such as personal agency and use of religion. The slaves in Africa had a tribal system of slavery that was unique to the continent. African slaves could maintain personal agency because they were familiar with the land, customs, and people around them. Knowing the geography of the land allowed the escaped slave to navigate towards the freedom of his own tribe. Knowing the customs of the people allowed the escaped slave to blend into the local people while travelling towards freedom. Knowing the people allowed the escaped slave to gain allies. Allies gave access to food, shelter, supplies, bushcrafting tools, and treatment of injuries should the escaped slave need it.
Get Access