TDS Lesson Plan
Teacher: Javier Deleon
Title: The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Its Impact on American Society
Subject: U.S History
Grade Level: 8th grade
RULE §113.20(2)(B)(11) (B)explain reasons for the development of the plantation system,
TEKS:
the transatlantic slave trade, and the spread of slavery; and
Students will learn the importance of…
Historical context
Learning Objectives:
Change over time
Connections between the past and present
Analyzing primary sources
What were the reasons for the transatlantic slave trade, and how did it impact American
society?
Essential Question(s):
Transatlantic slave trade, Middle Passage, commodification, dehumanization, systemic
Essential Vocabulary: oppression, primary sources
Roots: The middle passage [Link]
Digital inquiry group: “Document A:Historian” “Document B: Mingo White’s Narrative”
“Document C: Genius of Universal Emancipation Article” “Document D: Slave Trader
Resources/Materials:
Letter”
Nearpod presentation
Introduction: Introducing the transatlantic slave trade and the middle passage
using the YouTube vide “the middle passage”
Time: 5
Nearpod presentation: Discuss the economic and political reasons for
Time:10
the slave trade and its role in the development of American society. min
Procedures:
Analyzing primary sources: Students will use Nearpod to examine primary
source documents related to the slave trade and the experiences of enslaved
individuals. Time: 15
mins
Class discussion:
Discuss the impact of the slave trade on American society, including its Time:10
TDS Lesson Plan
economic benefits for slave owners and the traumatic experiences of
enslaved people.
min
Students will incorporate the primary sources into the discussion.
Quiz:
Assessment: What does Mingo White’s experience reveal about the nature of slave Time:5
auctions? min
A. Slaves were allowed to stay with their families
B. Slaves were sold individually and inspected for physical health
C. Slaves were treated with respect and given choices
D. Slaves were often kept together with friends and relatives
Document C: Genius of Universal Emancipation Article
According to the article, what was a common condition for slaves on domestic
slave ships like La Fayette?
A. They were given comfortable accommodations
B. They were chained in pairs in the hold
C. They were allowed to move freely on the ship
D. They were treated as passengers and given provisions
Document D: Slave Trader Letter
What does the letter from A. J. McElveen indicate about the economics of the
slave trade?
A. Slaves were often given away for free
B. The prices of slaves were high and varied by age and condition
C. The trade of slaves was not profitable
D. Slaves were rarely sold and prices were stable
Answers:
1. B. Slaves were sold individually and inspected for physical health
2. B. They were chained in pairs in the hold
2. B. The prices of slaves were high and varied by age and condition