Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What does the term "triangular trade" refer to?

1. The exchange of goods between Europe and Asia

2. The trade network involving West Indies, New England, and Africa

3. The trade of agricultural products within the American colonies

4. The trade route exclusively for spices and textiles

The correct answer is: The trade network involving West Indies, New England, and Africa

The term "triangular trade" specifically refers to the trade network that connected the West Indies, New England, and Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries. This system involved the exchange of enslaved people from Africa, raw materials from the Americas, and manufactured goods from Europe, creating a triangular route that facilitated the transatlantic slave trade and various forms of commerce. The significance of this network lies in its impact on the economy and social structures of the regions involved. For example, ships would typically sail from New England to the West Indies carrying rum and other goods, where they would exchange these for sugar and molasses. Subsequently, these products would be taken to Europe, where they were sold for profit. The vessels would then transport enslaved Africans to the Americas, where they were forced into labor, particularly on plantations. This system not only contributed to the wealth of European nations and American colonies but also played a pivotal role in the perpetuation of slavery and the exploitation of resources in the Americas. The other choices described do not accurately capture the essence of triangular trade; for example, the exchange of goods between Europe and Asia pertains to a different trade network known as the Silk Road or maritime trade routes rather than the transatlantic triangular