Question

1.4.7 journal: the middle passage
united states history and geography sem 1
journal
name:
date:
read this excerpt from the interesting narrative of the life of olaudah equiano and answer the following prompt.
at last, when the ship we were in had got in all her cargo, they made ready with many fearful noises, and we were all put under deck, so that we could not see how they managed the vessel. but this disappointment was the least of my sorrow. the stench of the hold while we were on the coast was so intolerably loathsome, that it was dangerous to remain there for any time, and some of us had been permitted to stay on the deck for the fresh air; but now that the whole ships cargo were confined together, it became absolutely pestilential. the closeness of the place, and the heat of the climate, added to the number in the ship, which was so crowded that each had scarcely room to turn himself, almost suffocated us. this produced copious perspirations, so that the air soon became unfit for respiration, from a variety of loathsome smells, and brought on a sickness among the slaves, of which many died, thus falling victims to the improvident avarice, as i may call it, of their purchasers. this wretched situation was again aggravated by the galling of the chains, now become insupportable; and the filth of the necessary tubs, into which the children often fell, and were almost suffocated. the shrieks of the women, and the groans of the dying, rendered the whole a scene of horror almost inconceivable.
one day, when we had a smooth sea and moderate wind, two of my wearied countrymen, who were chained together (i was near them at the time), preferring death to such a life of misery, somehow made through the nettings and jumped into the sea: immediately another quite dejected fellow, who, on account of his illness, was suffered to be out of irons, also followed their example; and i believe many more would soon have done the same if they had not been prevented by the ships crew, who were instantly alarmed.
in two to three paragraphs, describe what the experience of the middle passage was like for those forced to endure it. why did many people try to take their own lives rather than continue the journey? (30 points)
write

Explanation:

The Middle Passage was a horrifying trans - Atlantic journey for enslaved Africans. Conditions on the ships were abysmal. The hold was foul - smelling and dangerous, with little fresh air. Overcrowding led to suffocation and the spread of diseases, causing many deaths. The stench from various sources made the air unfit to breathe. Enslaved people endured extreme physical and mental suffering. Some chose to take their own lives as a way to escape the unbearable misery and dehumanization of the journey.

Answer:

The experience of the Middle Passage for those forced to endure it was one of extreme suffering. The ships were overcrowded, with little fresh air and a noxious environment. Diseases spread rapidly due to the close quarters and poor sanitation. The stench from bodily waste, sweat, and decaying bodies made the air unbreathable. People were in constant fear and pain. Many tried to take their own lives rather than continue because the misery was so great. They faced dehumanization, physical abuse, and the hopelessness of a life in slavery. The Middle Passage was a scene of horror and despair, and suicide seemed a better alternative to the continued suffering and the unknown horrors of a life in bondage.