The following table provides information on selected shipboard rebellions during the transatlantic slave trade:
| Vessel Name | Year | Region/Route | Action Taken by Captives | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Elizabeth* | 1708 | West African Coast | Captives rose up and seized the deck | Captives were defeated after a standoff with the crew |
| *Little George* | 1730 | Sierra Leone to ocean | Captives broke out, took control, and sailed the ship | Captives successfully returned to the Sierra Leone River |
| *Amistad* | 1839 | Coast of Cuba | Captives freed themselves, killed the captain, and seized the ship | Captives were captured by the US Navy and later freed by the US Supreme Court |
Based on the table, which of the following conclusions is best supported regarding the Middle Passage?
- Enslaved Africans actively asserted their agency by organizing physical rebellions to seize control of vessels.Answer
- BEnslaved Africans rarely attempted to disrupt their transport and generally accepted their captivity.
- CEnslaved Africans restricted their resistance to covert, non-violent actions to avoid physical confrontation.
- DEnslaved Africans only participated in rebellions after arriving in the Americas and establishing communities.
Answer
Enslaved Africans actively asserted their agency by organizing physical rebellions to seize control of vessels.
The correct answer is that enslaved Africans actively asserted their agency by organizing physical rebellions to seize control of vessels. The data in the table clearly illustrates multiple instances where captives rose up against their captors, took physical control of ships (such as on the *Little George* and *Amistad*), and attempted to secure their freedom during the Middle Passage, highlighting their active resistance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Shipboard Rebellions and Middle Passage Resistance