Atlantic Slave Trade Towards the end of class we briefly viewed images throughout the duration of the slave trade from Hitchcock’s slave database. I was intrigued by several categories when I first began exploring through the collection of images. I remember reading in chapter one of the textbook, some of the slave traders would brand the slaves they purchased to keep track of them. I recall from the textbook they branded the woman lightly so they would not damage their breasts or on the back shoulder. In the picture I chose titled “Blake1” it is an African female that is being branded on her back in the 19th century. The picture portrays three white males, one of which is a boy. The other five are African Americans, one of which is an infant. I find it hard to believe the pain they would inflict on individuals to make sure they could keep track of their slaves. I went back to the textbook to read what the motive was behind branding the slaves. Generally, slaves were branding as a form of punishment on recaptured slaves. It was used on runaway slaves to help the locals spot them if …show more content…
We both agreed how inhuman it was for these slaves to be transported and punished. Before taking this course, it shows how little I knew about the Atlantic Slave Trade. I knew the basics, but the information I learned throughout the class discussion and Hitchcock’s slave database really shows the whole history. After viewing all the photographs/images I feel as I can describe a slaves’ journey from the start to their death. Lastly, Bradley and I debated if Columbus did more bad than good when finding America. We both agreed slaves could have been treated much better and deserve much greater. I also firmly believe Columbus is given too much credit. It seems he is just credited for “finding America.” No one remembers he opened the Atlantic Slave Trade that cost millions of