# data[].attributes.body
In the southern colonies, however, slavery expanded rapidly from Virginia to Georgia. Slaves helped raise tobacco, indigo and other cash crops.

# data[].attributes.body
Most of the slaves that were brought to the colonies were brought in from West Africa. But year after year they brought ships filled with cloths, guns, and rum then sailed from the colonies to West Africa. The ships returned to to the colonies with their human cargoes.

# data[].attributes.body
Slavery came to Virginia. It spread both north and south. By early 1700's, enslaved Africans were living in every colony.

# data[].attributes.body
They were packed on the ships very tight, the ocean crossing (known as the Middle Passage) was a nightmare for them.

# data[].attributes.body
He was just 10 years old when he was put on a slave ship. He refused to eat, hoping " for the lat friend, Death,to relive me". Although he survived the voyage, many Africans died of sicknesses or despair.

# data[].attributes.body
The first slaves brought to the United States in 1619 to help produce tobacco in the Virginia colony.