Triangular trade was the name given to the voyage that began in Europe, where manufactured goods were loaded and taken to Africa. Some of these goods included different types of clothing, gold and even weapons such as guns. These goods were traded for African slaves provided by local slave traders. These slaves were then taken across the Atlantic Ocean on the part of the voyage most commonly known as the Middle Passage. Many slaves didn't survive the trip to the Americas because of how they were shipped. Once they arrived in the Americas, the slaves were traded for goods such as raw cotton, molasses, sugar and tobacco which ultimately was returned and sold back in Europe.
The positive effects for Europe directly related to the economic benefit from having these new goods inserted into the market. Exotic goods would catch a premium price, especially from the aristocracy that had extra income to spend to show off their wealth and status.
Another positive effect was to establish territorial dominance not only in Africa, but the Americas as well. These areas served as strategic strongholds to expand in the future.
One negative effect on Europe has to be the dark cloud of slavery cast upon the Europeans, especially in the late eighteenth century. Quakers and other religious groups made it their mission to end slavery and to bring the oppressive ways of economic imperialists to the public eye. By the early nineteenth century, the slave trade had all but disappeared, but the legacy of the slave trade and those who played a role in it has carried on through time.
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