History N5: Triangular Trade and its Impacts

Stages of the Triangular Trade

  • Outward Passage:

    • Britain traded goods (alcohol, guns) with people in Africa.

  • Middle Passage:

    • Enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas, primarily the West Indies.

  • Homeward Passage:

    • Goods (cotton, tobacco) harvested by enslaved people were traded from the Americas back to Britain.

British Economy Benefitting from the Slave Trade

  • Raw materials shipped to the UK led to job creation in manufacturing.

  • British industry supplied factory-made goods in exchange for enslaved people in Africa, creating jobs.

  • Slave voyages created jobs.

  • Development of financial services:

    • Loans for renting and equipping ships (e.g., Barclays).

    • Insurance companies (e.g., Lloyds).

  • Government revenue from taxes:

    • Example: In 1770, £1.5 million from taxes in Jamaica.

  • Demand for British goods in the Caribbean:

    • British people moving to the Caribbean desired familiar goods from home.

Effects on African Societies

  • Kings and warlords became rich by selling enslaved people.

  • No investment to help Africa recover from the slave trade.

  • People moved inland to escape capture.

  • Guns were traded by the British for enslaved people.

  • Tribes fought for land and resources.

  • Literacy improved due to trade with the British and Europeans.

  • Constant fear of enslavement.

  • Loss of farmers (mainly men) led to famine.

  • Introduction of new diseases:

    • Africans died due to lack of immunity and proper medical treatment.

  • New roads were built to transport enslaved people.

    • Also facilitated African trade.

Effects on the Caribbean/West Indies - PROS

  • Infrastructure improvement:

    • Reservoirs, dams, canals, and roads built and maintained.

  • Africans brought new culture and traditions:

    • Food, voodoo, religion, music, etc.

  • Wealth from Sugar production:

    • Caribbean produced 90% of sugar imported to Europe.

Effects on the Caribbean/West Indies - CONS

  • Economy and land became too reliant on one type of crop.

Experiences of Africans When First Enslaved

  • Africans were ambushed and taken to slave factories, including children.

  • Forced marches:

    • Up to 20 miles/8 hours a day, even for those captured far inland.

    • Chained by ankles, wrists, and/or necks.

    • Sweltering heat, minimal food, breaks, and water.

    • Months of travel.

    • The old and weak were beaten.

  • Slave forts/factories:

    • Located along the Gold Coast.

    • Checked by surgeons for age and health to determine price.

    • Stripped of clothes, hair cut off.

    • Chained in underground cells in groups of up to 1,000.

  • High mortality rate:

    • Many died from diseases (malaria, infections).

    • Many died from malnutrition and dehydration.

    • In 1770, 50% of enslaved Africans died due to these conditions.