What Role Did The Transatlantic Slave Trade Play In The Triangular Trade

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The transatlantic slave trade or triangular trade was a trade system involving Britain, Europe, Africa, America and the West Indies. Goods such as firearms and alcohol were taken from Britain to Africa in exchange for slaves. The slaves were then taken to America and the West Indies where they were exchanged for rum and sugar for the voyage back to Britain. It can be argued that the key reason for the development of the British economy in the 18th century was its role in the slave trade, although there were many other factors involved such as the industrial revolution and the British Empire. The transatlantic slave trade was extremely important to the development of the British economy in the 18th century. Slave ships needed large crews in …show more content…

The British Empire was a collection of countries around the world ruled by Britain, and each of the countries had valuable resources that could be traded with Britain such as wheat from Canada and tea from India. Also, like the slave trade, many ships were needed to transport these goods, which benefited the shipbuilding industry. Furthermore, many young people from other countries in the empire such as India came to Britain to find work, sometimes on-board ships. This gave Britain many new strong workers to do important jobs such as build railway lines or work in mines. Overall, the British Empire was an important factor in the development of the British economy in the 18th century. Much like it did during the slave trade, Britain obtained numerous valuable materials through trade and many found jobs in shipbuilding. In conclusion, the slave trade was the most important factor to the development of the British economy in the 18th century. Although the industrial revolution and trade with empire countries created many new jobs, the slave trade created jobs from shipbuilding to factory work and resulted in Britain earning many new useful materials. It also greatly improved British ports, as the money made was used to build expensive new

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