Effects of Population Shift on African Diaspora
By Ray Mizan
Plantation Society
- The first plantations were established by the Spanish in 1516 on Hispaniola
- In early 17th century, English, Dutch and French plantations emerged on the Caribbean
- Most plantations produced sugar, which was a major cash crop, however other crops like Tobacco, Rice, and Cotton also came about by 18th century
- Both Caribbean and American plantations produced a crop that was in high demand and profited mainly from exports
- South American and Caribbean plantations could not maintain the slave population at times due to diseases and other factors
- Many slaves showed resistance to slavery and some ran away (Maroons) and formed their own communities
- Slave Revolts were not effective despite the slaves outnumbering their masters
African American Cultural Traditions
- European languages were mostly spoken, some spoke their own native language
- Others spoke creole tongues which drew from several African and European languages
- Religions were combined aspects from other societies
- Some practiced Christianity, while others practiced a syncretic faith
- No religious hierarchy
- Drew from Christianity- Churches, Salvation, Paraphernalia
- Preserved African Traditions- Drumming, Dancing, Animal Sacrifice
- Slaves introduced African food to the Caribbean and Americas
- Slaves initiated Rice Cultivation to South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana
- Made clay pots, baskets, and built houses in African Styles
Decline of Slave Trade
- American call for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and French call for "liberty, equality, and fraternity"
- Slave revolts made slave trade risky and costly
- Freed slaves contributed to abolitionist cause
- Olaudah Equiano
- Plantations and Slavery only flourished when they were profitable
- Slave labor became more expensive, forced to employ military services
- Decline of major cash crops like sugar
- Europeans invested in manufacturing industries, was a better option, financially
- Denmark (1803), Great Britain (1807), US(1808), France(18140, Netherlands(1817), Spain(1845)
- Illegal slave ships continued to transport slaves