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Revolts were a serious threat on board of slave ships sailing in the Atlantic. Oftentimes, the crews were outnumbered by the ship’s slaves eight to one. Yet Smallwood points out many historical examples where captives on slave ships were called on to assist their captors, whether it be in defending against an enemy ship, preparing food, or keeping their fellow captives in line.Every chance and and opportunity to rebel were not always taken advantage of by the captives. Smallwood examines how slave ships were able to maintain control. Not only did the captives of slave ships face physical restraints, armed oppressors, but also other captives empowered and granted privileges by the captors. These were know as guardians. Guardians were captives who received their position as a result of social dominance on the ships. The guardians that came from the Gold Coast were from separate communities other than those of the rest of the slaves. Guardians could be male or female. One reason the use of guardians came about may be the result of an agreement between the Royal African Company and the slave traders. Slave ship captains understood the hazards of utilizing guardians. It was imperative for ships’ crews to rely on maintaining social control because they knew they did not have sufficinet manpower, weapons, tools, etc. in the event of a revolt. While guardians had the power to ignite revolts, they did not dare bite the hand that feeds them. Many believed their position of power and privilege would continue on after the voyage. It is for these reasons that Smallwood argues the use of guardians enabled slave ships to maintain order and control effectively despite guardians being captives themselves.
Classmate Matt Everett points out that the Iberians’ contact with the civilizations of the new world was similar to Europeans contact with the African coasts. Initially trade was the motivation, but in both cases this changed and would lead to European exploitation of the land indigenous people. This is a repetitive trend in Atlantic history.