Surviving the Middle Passage: Resistance and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

CrashCourse

This episode of Crash Course Black American History provides an in-depth examination of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, specifically focusing on the Middle Passage. Host Clint Smith guides viewers through the harrowing 400-year history of the trade, detailing the logistics of the Triangular Trade, the geographic distribution of enslaved Africans (debunking the misconception that most came directly to the US), and the brutal conditions faced aboard slave ships. The video balances high-level statistics with intimate primary source narratives, particularly from Olaudah Equiano, to humanize the millions of lives stolen and lost. The video explores complex themes including the definition of chattel slavery versus other forms of servitude, the role of European companies like the Royal African Company, and the specific history of Charleston, South Carolina, as a major port of entry. A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to the concept of resistance, challenging the passive victim narrative by highlighting how enslaved people fought back through revolts, refusal to eat, and even suicide. The host also emphasizes the importance of language, advocating for the use of "enslaved person" over "slave" to center the humanity of the victims. For educators, this resource serves as a powerful tool for high school history curriculums. It addresses sensitive but critical aspects of American history, including torture and sexual violence, with necessary context and gravity. The video provides excellent opportunities for analyzing primary sources, understanding the economic drivers of historical events, and discussing the sociological concepts of "social death" and agency. It is essential for units on the Atlantic World, early American history, and Black history.