Slaves and their owners
The main issues of the relationship between the slaves and their owners were:
- Humanitarian concerns
- Religious concerns
- Financial considerations
- Fear of revolt
- Racism and prejudice
Financial considerations dominated the interests of those involved in the slave trade. From the relationship between enslaved person and trader on the middle passage, and between enslaved person and 'master' on the plantations, it was clear that there was only one motive. As enslaved people were considered property the owner felt in a position of control.
The prime purpose of 'owning' enslaved people in the Caribbean was to make a profit from their labour. Until the late 18th century, racism, prejudice and a lack of humanitarian concern for enslaved people was clearly evident.