The transatlantic slave trade, also referred to as the Maafa (great disaster), represents one of the most devasting periods in human history. Spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries, this system of exploitation forcibly uprooted approximately 12 million Africans from their homelands and transported them to several locations across the Atlantic. Stripped of their cultural identities and subject to dehumanizing treatment, enslaved Africans became the backbone of agricultural economies in the Americas and the Caribbean. Despite the brutality they endured, African people demonstrated remarkable spiritual strength and resilience, defying their oppressors in both subtle and overt ways. Acts of defiance against enslavement took many forms, from organized uprisings to the refusal to abandon cultural practices. African traditions were preserved and adapted, serving as tools of resistance. These cultural practices not only sustained communities under the repression of the institution of enslavement but also became symbols of identity and humanity. Resistance extended to efforts to maintain dignity and solidarity, often in opposition to systems designed to dehumanize. The economic structures of the transatlantic slave trade were extensive and involved multiple continents in the trade of human beings. Enslaved Africans played a critical role in producing crops like sugar, cotton, and tobacco, enriching European nations at an immeasurable human cost. The legacy of this period extends beyond its historical timeframe, shaping the demographic and economic landscapes of the Americas, Africa, Europe, and around the world. By studying this period, we honor those who resisted and survived the Maafa, ensuring their legacies remain central to our understanding of justice and humanity.
This unit explores the impact of the Maafa and highlights the resilience and resistance of African people during this period. An examination of the structures of the Atlantic world that facilitated the forced migration and exploitation of millions of Africans uncovering the economic and social systems that sustained the institution of slavery. Through stories such as the Stono Rebellion and Igbo Landing, students will delve into acts of resistance that underscore the agency of enslaved people who fought against oppression. The unit emphasizes the human capacity for survival and community-building, even under dehumanizing conditions. By analyzing primary sources, including narratives, maps, and records, students will gain insights into the lived experiences of those affected by the legacy of the institution of slavery. Also, exploring the cultural resilience preserved through spiritual practices and storytelling. Activities include creating timelines of key events, analyzing resistance strategies, and discussing how enslaved Africans shaped the cultures of the Americas through their enduring contributions. Critical reflection on the historical and modern implications of the Maafa, understanding its role in shaping the modern world. This unit allows students to learn about the complex realities of how different people navigate extremely oppressive structures.
NJ Student Learning Standards
- 6.1.12.HistoryUP.2.b: Analyze the impact and contributions of African American leaders and institutions in the development and activities of black communities in the North and South before and after the Civil War.
- 6.2.12.EconGE.1.a: Trace the movement of essential commodities (e.g., sugar, cotton) from Asia to Europe to America and determine the impact of trade on the New World’s economy and society.
- 6.2.12.EconGE.1.b: Assess the role of mercantilism in stimulating European expansion through trade, conquest, and colonization.
- 6.2.12.EconGE.1.c: Determine the effects of increased global trade and the importation of gold and silver from the New World on inflation in Europe, Southwest Asia, and Africa.
