Pauline Maier Early American History Seminar: Caribbean Connections – Panel Discussion

This panel brings together the work of two historians investigating the Caribbean. Casey Schmitt’s paper explores the intersection of warfare and human trafficking in the 17th century. Unmet demand for enslaved labor in smaller markets coupled with near-constant warfare among major European powers in the region reinforced practices of raiding and captivity. Schmitt’s paper shows how the lure of seizing captives facilitated manning expeditions during wartime, and demonstrates the centrality of violence against enslaved communities to 17th-century warfare. Carrington Farmer’s paper explores why New England emerged as a breeding ground for horses in the eighteenth century, and how it came to dominate the equine trade to the West Indies. Whilst some of the horses that crossed the Atlantic were riding horses, many were destined for “the slavery of the draught” toiling crushing sugar.

The Pauline Maier Early American History Seminar invites you to join the conversation. Seminars bring together a diverse group of scholars and interested members of the public to workshop a pre-circulated paper. Learn more.

Please note, this is an online event held on the video conference platform, Zoom. Registrants will receive an email with links to join the program.