Triangular Trade- Describe the different passages, including what was traded.
short
Triangular Trade was a historical trading system that took place between the 16th and 19th centuries, involving three main regions: Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It was characterized by a triangular route of trade networks and the exchange of goods, slaves, and resources.
The first passage of Triangular Trade involved European merchants sailing from Europe to Africa. In Africa, they would exchange goods such as textiles, weapons, and tools for enslaved Africans. These enslaved individuals were captured or sometimes sold by African tribes and kingdoms, then forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas.
The second passage of Triangular Trade, also known as the Middle Passage, was the most brutal and devastating part of the trade. Enslaved Africans were packed into slave ships and endured horrific conditions during the voyage across the Atlantic. Many Africans died from disease, malnutrition, and abuse before reaching the Americas.
The final passage involved European ships transporting goods produced in the Americas, such as sugar, tobacco, cotton, and rum, back to Europe. These goods were highly sought after commodities that contributed to Europe's economic development and fueled the expansion of colonial empires.
In summary, Triangular Trade involved the exchange of goods from Europe to Africa, where enslaved Africans were obtained. These enslaved individuals were then transported across the Atlantic to the Americas, where they were traded for goods produced in the Americas. These goods were brought back to Europe, completing the triangular trade route.