Triangular Trade: Africa, Europe, and America

This Storyboard That activity is part of the lesson plans for Atlantic Slave Trade


The Triangular Trade


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Lesson Plan Overview

In this activity, students will create a storyboard depicting the chain of events that transpired throughout the Triangular Trade. Students will represent the interactions and exchanges in Africa, Europe, and America and describe what each continent imported and exported throughout this trading process.


The Triangular Trade

  1. British Goods Sent to Africa
    A cargo ship would leave Great Britain with valuable goods such as rum, furniture, weapons, cloth, salt, or other goods. The ship would set sail for Africa.

  2. Goods Exchanged for Slaves
    The ship would arrive in Africa with the cargo from Britain. The goods would then be exchanged for African slaves. The slaves would then be tightly packed onto the ship.

  3. Middle Passage Across the Atlantic
    Slaves would then be confined to horrific conditions while on the slave ships. It is estimated that up to 25% of slaves died during the voyage due to disease, starvation, injury, or suicide.

  4. Slaves Arrive in America
    For slaves who survived the Middle Passage, they would be unloaded at a trade port in exchange for rum, tobacco, molasses, or other goods.

  5. Slave Auctions
    Once the slaves were unloaded, they would be separated from their families and auctioned off to plantation owners and others who desired a slave. Most slaves would never see their families again.

  6. Ship Returns to Britain
    The ship would then return to Britain with the rum, molasses, tobacco, or other goods exchanged for the slaves. The Triangle would be complete, and once again the ship would return back to Africa for more slaves and goods.

Extended Activity: For an extended activity, students can use the information from the activity above and represent them through the use of primary source documents. Students may use either a single individual's perspective from a trading ship, or use a variety of resources from each continent. Students will include parts of their research into a storyboard with representations of each primary source.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)


Student Instructions

Create a storyboard analyzing the effects of the Slave Trade.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the titles, identify each event in order.
  3. In the description box, describe the event.
  4. Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

Blank Cell with Title-Description

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How Tos about Triangular Trade: Africa, Europe, and America

1

Organize a classroom debate about the ethical impacts of the Triangular Trade

A debate encourages critical thinking and helps students explore multiple perspectives on the Triangular Trade. It actively engages learners and develops their speaking and listening skills.

2

Assign roles for students to represent different historical figures or groups

By taking on a character such as a merchant, enslaved person, or abolitionist, students can better understand the motivations and experiences involved in the Triangular Trade.

3

Provide students with guiding questions to prepare their arguments

Questions like "How did this group benefit or suffer?" and "What alternatives could have existed?" prompt deeper analysis and well-supported points during the debate.

4

Set clear debate rules and time limits for each speaker

Establishing structure and expectations ensures all voices are heard and the debate stays focused and respectful.

5

Facilitate a post-debate reflection activity

After the debate, ask students to reflect on what they learned and how their views may have changed. This step solidifies understanding and encourages empathy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Triangular Trade: Africa, Europe, and America

What was the Triangular Trade and which continents were involved?

The Triangular Trade was a historical trade system connecting Africa, Europe, and America. Goods were shipped from Britain to Africa, exchanged for slaves, transported to America, and then goods like rum and tobacco were sent back to Britain, completing the triangle.

How did the Triangular Trade work step by step?

The Triangular Trade involved British goods sent to Africa, exchanged for enslaved Africans, who endured the Middle Passage to America. There, slaves were traded for products like rum and tobacco, which were then shipped back to Britain, repeating the cycle.

What were the main goods traded between Africa, Europe, and America during the Triangular Trade?

Europe sent rum, cloth, and weapons to Africa; Africa supplied enslaved people to America; America exported rum, tobacco, and molasses back to Europe. Each continent traded goods that fueled the Atlantic Slave Trade.

What was the Middle Passage and why was it significant?

The Middle Passage was the transatlantic journey enslaved Africans endured from Africa to America. It was marked by horrific conditions, high mortality rates, and lasting trauma—making it a critical and tragic part of the Triangular Trade.

How can students create a storyboard to show the effects of the Slave Trade?

Students can make a storyboard by identifying key events, describing each stage, and using illustrations. Adding primary sources or personal perspectives deepens understanding of the Slave Trade's impact on individuals and continents.

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