White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan was an eye-opening experience for me. This book sheds light on a dark period in history - the transatlantic slave trade of white people - which was unknown to me till now. Hundreds of thousands of white slaves were transported to the Americas, forced to work in brutal conditions, and subjected to inhumane treatment.
One interesting fact I learned from the book is that the first slaves in the Americas were not Africans, but English children who were kidnapped and sent to work in the tobacco fields of Virginia. Another surprising fact is that white slaves were often treated worse than African slaves, as they were seen as more rebellious and likely to escape.
The book also delves into the history of the Irish slave trade, where thousands of Irish people were sold into slavery in the Caribbean. I was horrified to learn about the conditions on board the slave ships, where white slaves were packed tightly together and subjected to disease, hunger, and physical abuse.
Overall, I would rate this book 4 out of 5. It's a well-researched and engaging read that highlights a lesser-known aspect of history. Overall, "White Cargo" is a must-read for anyone interested in history, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.
Here is my note at Goodreads:
White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America by Don Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book sheds light on a dark period in history - the transatlantic slave trade of white people - which was unknown to me till now. Hundreds of thousands of white slaves were transported to the Americas, forced to work in brutal conditions, and subjected to inhumane treatment. One interesting fact I learned from the book is that the first slaves in the Americas were not Africans, but English children who were kidnapped and sent to work in the tobacco fields of Virginia. Another surprising fact is that white slaves were often treated worse than African slaves, as they were seen as more rebellious and likely to escape. The book is well-researched and engaging.
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