Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
Exploration and Expansion
Olaudah Equiano
c. 1745–1797
The British Library / HIP / The Image
Works
WHY HE MADE HISTORY As the
Atlantic slave trade grew, Africans such as
Olaudah Equiano were taken from their
homes and sent to the Americas amidst
miserable conditions. Equiano shared his
experiences in his autobiography, The
Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah
Equiano. He later bought his freedom and
became an anti-slavery advocate.
As you read the biography below, think about how
Olaudah Equiano persevered in becoming a prominent
anti-slavery author and speaker.
Olaudah Equiano is thought to have been born around 1745 in what is now
Nigeria. His father was an African chief. According to Equiano’s own
account, African slave traders captured him when he was 10. He briefly
worked in several homes in Africa. Next he was sold to European slave
traders. At this time, the traders sent him to the Caribbean island of
Barbados. He was then quickly taken to Virginia. There he was purchased
by a British naval officer named Michael Henry Pascal.
Equiano performed many tasks for Pascal. He traveled widely and
learned to be a sailor during the Seven Years’ War. Equiano also learned
how to read and write. After 30 years of service, Equiano did not receive
his freedom from Pascal. Instead, Pascal sent him to the West Indies to be
resold. There, he was traded to a Quaker merchant named Robert King.
King allowed Equiano to earn money through trading. This helped him to
buy his freedom 1766.
At that point, Equiano continued working as a sailor. In 1774, he
underwent a religious conversion. He became an evangelical Christian.
After this, he met many other Christians. A number of these people shared
his anti-slavery views. Eventually, Equiano began traveling in England and
America. There, he educated people about slavery.
In 1787 and 1788, Equiano wrote his famous autobiography. It was
called The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. This work
brought him recognition around the world. He became a highly influential
abolitionist. The book details Equiano’s own experiences in slavery. It also
praises Africa and its way of life. Equiano’s work has been acknowledged
as an early example of a slave narrative. It passed through nine editions
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 16
Modern Era Chapter 2
11
Exploration and Expansion
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
Exploration and Expansion
during Equiano’s life. It was also translated into several different
languages. Equiano died in London in 1797.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Recall How did Olaudah Equiano earn his freedom?
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2. Sequence Describe the events that led to Equiano becoming an influential
abolitionist after earning his freedom.
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Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 16
Modern Era Chapter 2
12
Exploration and Expansion