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Unsold African slaves were often kept in holding facilities until they could be sold, or they were sometimes given away as gifts, used as payment for debts, or utilized as forced labor by the slave traders themselves. In some cases, they could be left to die of illness or starvation.
In 1775, the population of the American colonies was around 2.5 million people, and approximately 500,000 were African slaves.
The majority of African slaves were sent to the Americas, particularly to regions in the Caribbean, Brazil, and the Southern United States, to work on plantations producing labor-intensive crops like sugar, tobacco, and cotton.
Slaves typically had traditional African names given to them by their parents, but slave owners often Anglicized or changed their names to suit their preferences. Some slaves were given names based on the region they were from in Africa or after famous figures. Many slaves also adopted surnames of their masters, leading to a mix of African and European names.
In some African societies, children of slaves could be sold as property alongside their parents. The practice of selling slaves, including children, was common in many parts of Africa due to factors such as war, debt repayment, or as a means of economic exchange.
Free African slaves were allowed to own property, enter into contracts, marry, and pursue education. However, they still faced discrimination and limited social mobility due to prevailing racial attitudes.