Why did slave ships return to Europe instead of Africa?
Slave ships followed a triangular route from Europe to Africa to America and then back to Europe again because it was in Europe where there was a market for the goods produced in the Americas. These goods were bought with money made from the sale of slaves and included goods grown on plantations such as coffee, sugar and tobacco. Later, cotton produced by slave labour was also shipped back to Europe. European explorers first set off on voyages of discovery around the world in the 15th century. As a result new foods and drinks were brought back to Europe. Originally many of the items later carried on the return leg of triangular slave trading voyages were luxury items. This meant that only rich Europeans could afford to buy them. As these goods became more widely available more and more people bought them. Drinks such as chocolate, coffee and tea were very popular but were all naturally bitter tasting. This created an increased demand for sugar with which to sweeten them. Sugar was also
