Crash Course World History: Slavery

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Topic: Slavery, referred to as "the peculiar institution"
• Not a humorous subject due to its grim nature

Historical Context

• Slavery is ancient, predates civilization
• Atlantic slave trade (1500-1880 CE): 10-12 million Africans forcibly moved
  • 15% died during the journey
  • Remaining became property, sold as commodities

Distribution and Origins

• 48% of slaves went to the Caribbean, 41% to Brazil
• Only 5% were imported to the U.S.
• Europe had a history of trading slaves since the 4th Crusade (1204)
  • Italian merchants and sugar cultivation

Economics and Trade

• Europeans traded goods for African slaves
  • Goods: metal tools, textiles, guns
• Slaves viewed as valuable property
• Land typically state-owned, slaves were private wealth

Conditions of Slavery

• Horrendous conditions on slave ships (average of 4 sq. ft. per person)
• Slaves sold and branded like cattle
• Dominated by work and terror
  • Tasks: housework, skilled crafts, agricultural labor

Life in the Americas

• Caribbean and Brazil: sugar plantations, harsh working conditions
  • Life expectancy in Brazil: 23 years
• U.S. conditions slightly better, natural population increase among slaves

Slavery's Historical Roots

• Slavery has varied definitions
• Slaves in history sometimes had power and influence
• Chattel slavery: slaves as movable property

Misconceptions and Definitions

• Misconceptions: Africans were traded, not just captured
• Orlando Patterson's definition of slavery
  • Permanent, violent domination of alienated, dishonored persons
  • Social death and dehumanization

Historical Slavery Models

• Greek and Roman contributions to the concept of slavery
  • Otherness and hereditary slavery
• The Bible's influence in justifying slavery

Atlantic Slavery's Specifics

• Iberians' role in shaping racist attitudes
• Spanish and Portuguese as primary importers
• Broad global participation in slavery

Conclusion

• Monstrous tragedy involving global complicity
• Importance of acknowledging our shared history

• Production Team: Stan Muller, Danica Johnson, Raoul Meyer, Thought Bubble
• Interactive Elements: Phrase of the Week, historian Q&A