Primary Source 6

Shackles

These were ankle shackles that were used to restrain people aboard ships in the middle passage. The middle passage was a traumatic experience for slaves. The middle passage and slavery included forced labor upon individuals. Slaves were packed tightly because all of the ships were overcrowded. the mortality rate was high, about 22.6% before 1700. There were revolts that occurred regularly. This source connects to the slavery segment of our class. The shackles would be used on slaves to keep them from fighting back or getting away. They were not made for comfort, it was the beginning of of how slaves would be tortured.