Did Malcom X lie or tell the truth when he said "Uncle Sam killed 100 million black people, bringin' 'em here"

Question

This was from his speech "The Jewish Question" which can be downloaded on peer-to-peer programs like Ares (http://aresgalaxy.sourceforge.net/).

World Population Information
... page entitled "Total Midyear Population for the World: 1950-2050" presents the ... The world population increased from 3 billion in 1959 to 6 billion by 1999, .... http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/world.html -

Answer 1

If he said this, he may have believed he was telling the truth, but there is no way it could be true. When one reads the works of patriots, nationalists and true believers, it's best to check the statistics.
Africa probably didn't have a population of 100 million until after 1850, and the US was out of slave importation by then. Slave importation to the USA ceased by law in 1804; after that slaves were raised and sold. In 1804 the population of the USA was about 20 million, of which about 1/5 were slaves, or 4 million.
Nor was the USA the largest importer of slaves. The sugar plantations in the West Indies and Brazil imported huge numbers of slaves - Brazil didn't outlaw slavery until about 1880.
I've read that about 4 million slaves were taken from West Africa; maybe half died on the trip. But don't forget that the Arabs imported slaves from East Africa at the same time, and that Islam still does not condemn slavery.

Answer 2

That is true to a degree. Many captured Africans we're viciously killed (usually thrown overboard) for being sickly, outspoken, and a number of other horrific reasons.

However the slave trade wasn't exactly a business regulated by the American government. As the matter of fact at the time the U.S. government had little to no control over businesses at all. Needless to say one needless death is one to many, but an exact number will never be known (although historians have good estimates).

This was largely curtailed by the armada created by none other than Ab Lincoln which patrolled the slave trade routes and freed thousands of slaves before they ever got to the united states (this armada included the ship "Discovery" which was the only wooden ship used in WW2).

In short, the fact that the US knowingly overlooked the slave trade for so long it is concludable that the blood is on it's hands. However by this compass it would also be true that the blood of the slaves is on the waring tribes in Africa which often sold each other out. Malcom X's statement is a half truth, with a dash of passion and desire to spread knowledge.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

It was a rather large overstatement. There is no doubt that thousands died being transported in slave ships. However, he was wrong to lay it entirely on the feet of Americans. First of all, the slave trade was in existence 150 years before there was an "America". Secondly, the majority of the slaver boat captains were British, with a sprinkling of other nationalities. Finally, a large portion (maybe as much as a quarter) of the slaves were taken to Caribbean islands and South and Central America. This is not to excuse this vile trade at all. Just a more realistic view.

Answer 4

1945 to contemporary, sixty 3 years! Thats between the longest classes with out conflict (or some variety of militia hardship) between the main worldwide places of Europe the renowned international has seen in centuries. we've in no way had it this sturdy, assorted nutrition, sturdy well being, technologies... yet something of the international remains at conflict, it is the way of issues. We Heathens be attentive to that's via a punishment on Freya from Oðinn. we don't stay interior the worst circumstances, yet all people will have self assurance that there replaced into as quickly as a extra powerful time, it is human nature.

Answer 5

By the time the U.S. won independence, most of the slaves living in the nation were born here. The slave trade itself was officially abolished in 1808, though some smuggling went on until the Civil War. I strongly doubt 100 million died in that period.
That said, a large if indeterminate number of Africans did die on the middle passage (as the from Africa to American colonies was called), and those who survived--and the descendents for several generations--led miserable lives.

Answer 6

It was an exaggeration certainly.

First 100 million is a huge number, it's really doubtful the slave trade had that level of casualties. High certainly, but 100 million? That's probably greater than the population of Africa when it started.

Second, "Uncle Sam" never really did actively participate in the slave trade. They allowed it, they may even have encouraged it. But they did not send government men to conduct the trade.

Malcom X was a hate monger, he was not seeking equality and peaceful coexistence. He was seeking dominance and power.

Answer 7

I doubt 100 million black people were killed in the slave trade, but I don't know for sure.

However, Malcom X's statement was probably a good example of hyperbole. What's true is that a hell of a lot of black people died in the slave trade, and that's what Malcom is getting at. Hyperbole is a very old, very effective strategy for getting a point across (as long as you don't overdo it).

Answer 8

Slavery of Africans was present long before the creation of the United States.
And besides, even though it was a loathsome and degrading process, many, many blacks would not enjoy the life of freedom and opportunity they have now if it were not for slaves being brought to America!

Answer 9

we (americans) did not bring slavery here enland and spain did

Answer 10

It was a lie.