Which of the following correctly describes the flow of commodities in the triangle trade?
A-Cuba's rum is traded for slaves in New England. The slaves are brought to Cuba to grow sugar. Cuban sugar is exported to New England, where it is distilled into rum.
B-New England's rum is traded for slaves in Africa. The slaves are brought to Cuba to grow sugar. Cuban sugar is exported to New England, where it is distilled into rum.
C-Cuba's rum is traded for slaves in Africa. The slaves are brought to New England to grow sugar. New England's sugar is exported to Cuba, where it is distilled into rum.
D-New England's rum is traded for slaves in Cuba. The slaves are brought to New England to grow sugar. New England's sugar is exported to Cuba, where it is distilled into rum.
To determine which option correctly describes the flow of commodities in the triangle trade, we need to understand the basics of the triangle trade itself. The triangle trade refers to the historical trade network that existed between Europe, Africa, and the Americas from the 16th to the 19th centuries. During this trade, goods and people were exchanged in a triangular pattern.
Now let's examine each option and break it down step-by-step:
Option A: Cuba's rum is traded for slaves in New England. The slaves are brought to Cuba to grow sugar. Cuban sugar is exported to New England, where it is distilled into rum.
This option suggests that Cuba's rum is traded for slaves in New England. Then, the slaves are taken to Cuba to grow sugar, which is later exported to New England to be distilled into rum. However, this contradicts the historical flow of the triangle trade, as New England was not a significant source of slaves. Therefore, Option A is not correct.
Option B: New England's rum is traded for slaves in Africa. The slaves are brought to Cuba to grow sugar. Cuban sugar is exported to New England, where it is distilled into rum.
This option states that New England's rum is traded for slaves in Africa, which aligns with how rum from New England was used to purchase slaves. The slaves are then transported to Cuba to work on sugar plantations, and the Cuban sugar is exported to New England, where it is distilled into rum. This pattern corresponds with the flow of the triangle trade, making Option B a possible correct answer.
Option C: Cuba's rum is traded for slaves in Africa. The slaves are brought to New England to grow sugar. New England's sugar is exported to Cuba, where it is distilled into rum.
According to this option, Cuba's rum is traded for slaves in Africa, which is correct. However, it states that the slaves are brought to New England to grow sugar. In reality, New England did not have significant sugar plantations, but instead relied more on industries like fishing, shipbuilding, and trade. Therefore, Option C is not the correct description of the triangle trade.
Option D: New England's rum is traded for slaves in Cuba. The slaves are brought to New England to grow sugar. New England's sugar is exported to Cuba, where it is distilled into rum.
This option suggests that New England's rum is traded for slaves in Cuba, which is inaccurate. The historical flow of the triangle trade saw New England merchants trading their rum and other goods in Africa for slaves. As a result, Option D does not accurately describe the flow of commodities in the triangle trade.
Based on this analysis, we can conclude that Option B: New England's rum is traded for slaves in Africa. The slaves are brought to Cuba to grow sugar. Cuban sugar is exported to New England, where it is distilled into rum, correctly describes the flow of commodities in the triangle trade.