1566-1865: Resistance was a persistent feature of the slave trade, with documented revolts occurring on approximately 10 percent of all slaving voyages.

1566-1865: Resistance was a persistent feature of the slave trade, with documented revolts occurring on approximately 10 percent of all slaving voyages. Most of these uprisings took place while vessels were still in sight of the African coast or during the early stages of the Middle Passage. The constant fear of such revolts significantly increased the operating costs for slave traders, necessitating larger crews and additional weaponry. This perceived threat even influenced the geographic focus of the trade, as captains often moved further south to regions where captives were thought to be less rebellious.