What were the political motivations behind the Triangular Trade?

History The Triangular Trade Questions



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What were the political motivations behind the Triangular Trade?

The political motivations behind the Triangular Trade were primarily driven by European colonial powers seeking to expand their empires and gain economic dominance. These powers, such as Britain, France, and Portugal, aimed to establish colonies in the Americas and Africa to exploit their resources and establish control over lucrative trade routes. The Triangular Trade allowed these colonial powers to acquire raw materials from Africa, such as slaves, and transport them to the Americas to work on plantations. In return, the Americas provided valuable goods, such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were then transported back to Europe. This trade system helped to fuel the economic growth of European nations and strengthen their political influence globally.