Historical Events In The African Slave Trade By John Equiano

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In Equiano lifetime, historical events are presented throughout the narration. The African slave trade also known as the Atlantic slave trade is essentially the foundation and what brings hardship into his life. African men, women and children are taken from their native home and put on the market as slaves to be sold in the Caribbean, America and Europe (Skabelund) .He also makes several references to Barbados, as being one of the worst places for Africans to go (Equiano). The economy during the 18th century became prosperous because of the slave trade. Africans underwent poor living conditions and cruel punishment. In the Chapter 2, Equiano speaks about his experience while being transported. He states that under the ship deck, the stench …show more content…

It shows how religion serves two main purposes during this time. It is used to justify slavery and later, to use it against it. Slave owners would take passages from the bible and interpret it as this was God’s design to own slaves and conform them to Christianity. This was the Christian thing to do according to God’s will. The bible was a powerful tool for slaves and it was often prohibited for Africans to access it. This is proven by when Equiano wasn’t able to purchase a bible during his travel in the West Indies. Slaves would be able to find encouragement from the scriptures and any possibility of rebellion or enlightenment was a fear for slave owners. The abolition movement was established by the Quakers to end the slave trade. Their campaign was built on the belief that God crated everyone equal in his eyes. The Quakers would preach reform in West Indies, American and Britain colonies. The significance the Quakers have is represented by the countless encounters and involvement Equiano shares with …show more content…

It is used to justify slavery and later, to use against it. Slave owners would take passages from the bible and interpret it as God’s design to own slaves and conform them to Christianity. This was the Christian thing to do according to God’s will. The bible was a powerful tool for slaves and it was often prohibited for an African to get. This is proven by when Equiano wasn’t able to purchase a bible during his travel in the West Indies. Slaves would be able to find encouragement from the scriptures and any possibility of rebellion or enlightenment was a fear for slave owners. The abolition movement was established by the Quakers to end the slave trade. Their campaign was built on the belief that God crated everyone equal in his eyes. The Quakers would preach reform in West Indies, American and Britain colonies. The significance the Quakers have is represented by the countless encounters and involvement Equiano shares with

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