THE CROSSING of slave ships from Africa to North and South America was called the "Middle Passage."  The term basically refers to the tribulations Africans faced on their journey from Africa on slave ships.  These ordeals included the loss of their freedom, families, homeland, identity, the horrible suffering onboard the ships, and incredibly, their ability to survive.

 

 

An African's journey into European slavery typically began on the west coast of Africa, which was referred to as the "Slave Coast."  It was here, on September 16 1858, that the Wanderer arrived at the mouth of the Congo River.

 

In Africa, European slave traders would barter with native tribe leaders for slaves.  Once negotiations were finished, slave traders would inspect the captives to be sure none were sick or dying.  The Africans were then shackled and transported to the slave ships.

 

Once aboard, the horrors of the Middle Passage began.  Africans were placed on cramped decks - often so crowded the captives had little room to move. With all of those bodies in such a small space the temperature was frequently stifling so it was often hard to breath.  The sanitary conditions below decks were repulsive as Africans were often forced to lie in their own vomit and excrement.  Given these conditions it is not surprising that contagious diseases would spread quickly.  The most common diseases were malaria and smallpox.  Horrifically, in order to stop the spread of disease sick captives were simply thrown overboard.