Transatlantic slave trade advantages and disadvantages
Triangular trade is a term demonstrating the trade between 3 ports. The triangular
transatlantic slave trade, which is the best known triangular trading system, was a trading
system which carried slaves, raw materials and resources, and manufactured foods. It
operated from the late 16th to early 19th century. This trading system mainly consisted of
three journeys. The outward passage from Europe to Africa carried manufactured goods in
exchange for African slaves, who were then shipped to the Americas or the Caribbean to
work. The materials they harvested such as sugar, tobacco, cotton, rice....etc. were then
shipped back to Europe on a homeward journey.
The trade was supported by different people for different reasons. For example, the British
supported this trading system, as some felt that it distinguished it from other countries as a
great trading nation. Many were unwilling to give the trade to their rivals- the French.
Businessmen also felt strongly about the triangular trade. They argued that by disrupting
the slave trade, businesses would be ruined and thousands of people would be put out of
work.
The citizens of Britain in their defense stated that the conditions of many African slaves are
actually much more comfortable than the laborers in Britain itself. This thought was
encouraged by merchants and plantation owners, who said that most slaves are very happy.
They are provided with appropriate housing and clothing. They are fed generously with
nutritious food by their owners as sick, injured or weak slaves were of no use. They were
also allowed the privilege of seeing doctors if they are ill.
The British were also reluctant to give up sugar, which is used in beverages and cakes, and
other goods which are harvested by the slaves. Many goods would not be able to be
manufactured in Britain if resources are not available. Important equipment, such as chains,
iron bars, manacles, would not be able to be produced. A vast majority of the population
also claimed that the wealth of their city has benefited enormously from the trade. It is a
source of work and income for nearly half the population.
Religious people felt that the only way to heaven was through Christianity, and so thought
they were doing the slaves a favor, by letting them convert to Christianity through the
work of missionaries.
As a result, opposition to the slave trade was made much more difficult because the
majority of the public supported the trading system. Many people benefited greatly from
the slave trade and were reluctant to give up the products that resulted from the slave
trade.