History of Oceania

How did the triangular trade work?

The triangular trade was a system of trade that occurred between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It was based on the exchange of manufactured goods for raw materials, and then the raw materials were used to produce more manufactured goods. The triangular trade was a major factor in the development of the global economy.

Here is a breakdown of how the triangular trade worked:

1. Europe to Africa: European traders would sail to Africa and trade manufactured goods, such as guns, cloth, and alcohol, for African slaves.

2. Africa to the Americas: The slaves were then transported to the Americas, where they were sold to plantation owners.

3. Americas to Europe: The plantation owners would use the slaves to produce cash crops, such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco. These cash crops were then shipped to Europe, where they were sold for a profit.

The triangular trade was a major economic system for several centuries, and it played a significant role in the development of the modern world. It was also a major factor in the rise of the African slave trade, and it had a devastating impact on the lives of millions of African people.