The Middle Passage
The Middle Passage was the most painful part of the Atlantic Trade. It was the journey across the Atlantic Ocean that black African people were made to endure after being captured and sold. This journey lasted weeks or even months and caused deep sorrow and loss. Ships traveled from Europe to Africa, then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas before returning to Europe. This triangular route connected distant regions through trade and movement. The Atlantic crossing was the longest and most challenging part of the journey, lasting weeks or even months depending on weather and conditions at sea. Life aboard the ships was tightly controlled and highly structured. People were grouped closely together, with limited space and movement. Daily routines were shaped by the ship’s schedule, weather, and long stretches at sea. These conditions made the journey physically and emotionally demanding for everyone involved. Despite the hardships of the journey, people carried cultural know...