Stephen D. Behrendt and the History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The study of the transatlantic slave trade—the massive forced migration of millions of Africans to the Americas—requires meticulous archival research and a deep understanding of maritime logistics. Stephen D. Behrendt, a distinguished historian at Victoria University Wellington, has dedicated his career to analyzing the complex economic and environmental structures that sustained this global system.
With academic foundations built at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned both his MA and PhD, Behrendt has contributed significantly to the historiography of slavery through the revision of seminal texts and the editing of primary source documents.
Key Facts
- Specialization: Expert in the transatlantic slave trade and maritime history.
- Academic Affiliation: Historian at Victoria University Wellington.
- Education: Holds an MA and PhD from the University of Wisconsin.
- Major Work: Revised James A. Rawley's The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History.
- Primary Source Contribution: Co-edited The Diary of Antera Duke.
Major Literary Contributions
Behrendt's work often bridges the gap between broad historical narratives and specific, evidence-based case studies. One of his most notable contributions was the 2005 updating of James A. Rawley's The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History, originally published in 1981. This revision ensured that the foundational text remained relevant for modern scholars and students.
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In 2010, Behrendt collaborated with A. J. H. Latham and David Northrup to co-edit The Diary of Antera Duke, an Eighteenth-Century African Slave Trader. This publication provides a rare, first-hand perspective on the internal mechanisms of the slave trade from the viewpoint of an African trader.
Academic Articles and Research Focus
Beyond full-length books, Behrendt has explored the intersection of ecology, economics, and maritime records. His research often focuses on human capital (the skills and labor value of individuals) and the environmental factors that influenced shipping patterns.
- Environmental Impact: His work on ecology and seasonality examines how natural cycles affected the movement of ships across the Atlantic.
- Maritime Records: He has analyzed the utility of Lloyd's Registers—comprehensive lists of merchant ships—to reconstruct maritime history between 1760 and 1840.
- Urban History: His research into Liverpool explores the city's role as a trading port, focusing on the residences of sailors and the presence of African migrants.
Summary of Selected Publications
| Year | Title | Role | Publisher/Journal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History | Reviser | University of Nebraska Press |
| 2010 | The Diary of Antera Duke | Co-editor | Oxford University Press |
| 2007 | Human Capital in the British Slave Trade | Author | Liverpool University Press |
| 2014 | Sail on, Albion: Usefulness of Lloyd's Registers | Co-author | Int. Journal of Maritime History |
| 2017 | Liverpool as a Trading Port | Co-author | Int. Journal of Maritime History |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Stephen D. Behrendt currently teach?
Stephen D. Behrendt is a historian at Victoria University Wellington.
What is the significance of The Diary of Antera Duke?
It provides a first-hand, eighteenth-century perspective on the African slave trade, co-edited by Behrendt, A. J. H. Latham, and David Northrup.
Which major historical text did Behrendt revise?
He revised James A. Rawley's The Transatlantic Slave Trade: A History, which was published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2005.
What maritime tools has Behrendt used in his research?
Behrendt has specifically utilized Lloyd's Registers to study maritime history between 1760 and 1840.
What specific city has Behrendt studied as a trading port?
He has conducted extensive research on Liverpool, focusing on occupational change, sailors' residences, and African migrants.