The
British colonies of North America imported about a million slaves, or seven
percent of all the Africans brought to the Americas. Slaves at first were in
demand throughout the colonies, but the growth of industry and trade in the
north reduced the need for slaves there. However, in the southern colonies,
cotton and tobacco plantations required many field laborers, so slavery quickly
became entrenched.
After the American Revolution, northern states began abolishing slavery, but white Southerners fought to protect the "peculiar institution" and the way of life it provided them. The Civil War erupted from issues related to slavery, and the North's victory in 1865 finally led to slavery's abolition. Even today, however, the impact of centuries of slavery is felt in American society.
African culture is also apparent in many aspects of our culture today; many kinds of music (including jazz, blues, and gospel) and dance stem from African sources. Literature (including stories like Brer Rabbit) have been passed down over the generations and still resemble stories told in Africa today.
Now learn about other destinations of the slave trade, or go to the Forum to
discuss the slave trade and its impact on history.
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