Slavery in the New World
The transatlantic slave trade boomed during the 18th century, particularly because of the West Indies and the American colonies. Sugar, cotton and tobacco are just a few examples of industries that demanded a large labor force. In the West Indies the slave population grew by such leaps and bounds, they outnumbered the number of white planters and elites that lived on the islands.
Population of the British West Indies
c.1700 c.1748
|
|
White |
Black |
Total |
White |
Black |
Total |
|
Barbados |
15,400 |
50,100 |
65,500 |
22,500 |
69,100 |
91,600 |
|
Leeward Islands |
8,300 |
22,2000 |
30,500 |
8,000 |
62,800 |
70,800 |
|
Jamaica |
7,300 |
42,000 |
49,300 |
10,400 |
118,100 |
128,500 |
|
Other** |
n.d. |
n.d |
n.d |
3,000 |
8,500 |
11,500 |
|
Total |
31,000 |
114,300 |
145,300 |
43,9000 |
258,500 |
302,400 |
Note** Virgin Islands, Belize, Cayman Islands, Bahamas
Sources: David, Galenson, Traders, Planters, Slaves (Cambridge, 1986) pp. 4-5: J.R Ward, personal communication
The slaves journey to the New World began on the other side of the ocean. For more information about this journey and slavery in general, please visit Africa.
Image Source: http://school.discovery.com/schooladventures/slavery/images/captives_bound.jpg
