Which resource would best help students understand the nature of slavery in the 18th-century Atlantic world?

The plantation owner's account of the daily operations of a Jamaican sugar plantation offers a firsthand perspective on the complexities of slavery during the 18th century in the Atlantic world. Such an account would provide insights into the daily lives, working conditions, and treatment of enslaved individuals, as well as the economic motivations driving plantation agriculture. These narratives often detail the interactions between enslaved people and their owners, the labor practices employed, and the overall environment of the plantation, which are crucial for understanding the social and cultural dimensions of slavery.

While maps, charts, and tables can provide valuable quantitative data and geographical context, they do not convey the human experience and personal narratives that characterize the reality of slavery. Different perspectives, such as those from the enslaved themselves or abolitionists, can also be significant in shaping a comprehensive understanding of this historical phenomenon, but the firsthand account from a plantation owner allows students to grasp the institutional and economic frameworks that supported slavery. This context is essential for a nuanced understanding of slavery's implications within the larger framework of the Atlantic world.