Question

question 3 of 10
why did many slaves die during the middle passage?

a. most of the slaves were very old by the time they began the voyage.

b. most of the slaves were sick when they were sold.

c. most of the slaves had no immunity to european diseases.

d. most of the slaves faced horrible conditions on the ships.

Explanation:

The Middle Passage refers to the transatlantic voyage of enslaved Africans to the Americas. Enslaved people were packed into overcrowded, unsanitary ship holds with little food, water, or fresh air. These horrific conditions led to the spread of disease, starvation, dehydration, and violence, causing massive deaths. Option A is false as enslavers targeted young, able-bodied people. Option B is incorrect because enslavers generally sought healthy enslaved people to sell. Option C is not the primary cause here; while disease was a factor, it stemmed from the terrible ship conditions, not lack of immunity to European diseases as the main driver.

Answer:

D. Most of the slaves faced horrible conditions on the ships.