USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Branding an enslaved African’s skin with an initialled iron was used to mark them as property to a particular slaveholder but also as a form of punishment. Historic documents reveal children as young as seven were branded on the face. Whipping was only one of the many forms of racialised violence.

Detailed explanation-2: -The punishments took many forms, including whippings, torture, mutilation, imprisonment, and being sold away from the plantation. Slaves were even sometimes murdered. Some masters were more “benevolent” than others, and punished less often or severely.

Detailed explanation-3: -How did hunger strikes by enslaved Africans affect slaveholders during the Middle Passage? Slaveholders knew that an enslaved person weakened by hunger could be sold for less money.

Detailed explanation-4: -What does this drawing show about enslaved Africans aboard this ship? It shows how tightly they were packed, which led to a harsh and often deadly journey.