| |
You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Women's History > General History > TRADE
Expert: Hank Hokamp
Date: 5/16/2008
Subject: TRADE
Question
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TRADE IN THE COLONIES
Answer
Good question, Trevor. As disgusting as it may be, the "major trade" in the colonies were SLAVES. Sickening, huh?
A little something more: Since sailing ships were highly constrained by dominant wind patterns, a trade system followed this pattern. Manufactured commodities were exported from Europe, some towards the African colonial centers, some towards the American colonies. This system also included the slave trade, mainly to Central and South American colonies (Brazil, West Indies). Tropical commodities (sugar, molasses) flowed to the American colonies and to Europe. North America also exported tobacco, furs, indigo (a dye) and lumber (for shipbuilding) to Europe. This system of trade collapsed in the 19th century with the introduction of steamships, the end of slavery and the independence of many of the colonies of the Americas.
I say SLAVES because all colonies had this 'commodity'in common.
HANK
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
