What was the name of the sea route taken by slave ships from West Africa to the Americas, known for its harsh conditions?

The Middle Passage refers to the specific maritime route taken by slave ships transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. This term is particularly significant because it encapsulates the brutal and inhumane conditions experienced by the enslaved individuals on board these ships. The voyage was characterized by overcrowding, disease, and malnutrition, leading to a high mortality rate among the captives. Understanding the Middle Passage is essential to grasp the broader impacts of slavery on both African societies and the economic development of the Americas.

While the Transatlantic Crossing does indicate the journey across the Atlantic Ocean, it does not convey the specific context of the slave trade itself or the severe hardships faced by those involved. Similarly, Slave Route and Atlantic Passage are more general terms that do not carry the same historical weight or specific reference to the conditions of the enslaved during this particular journey. The distinct term Middle Passage serves to highlight the unique and tragic aspects of this part of history.