Sugar Trade Essay

776 Words2 Pages

Sugar, also known as “white gold” was discovered in the Americas in the 1400s. As it became more popular, sugar set people in motion throughout the world for the purpose of building wealth; However, as a result of this, consequences of building global connections are still felt to this day. Sugar trade changed the global economy because it was a profitable resource in high demand-especially within the workforce. Consequently, it affected the worldwide working class, and also encouraged maritime trade. As a high calorie alimentation characterized by “perfect sweetness,” sugar was in high demand worldwide. The fourth document outlines the value of sugar in the workforce during the industrial revolution of the 1800s, helping workers with the transition from easy working hours on farms, to the taxing habits of …show more content…

In the first document, many of Columbus’ accomplishments are illustrated including his trade of sugar, which exploded because of the high value of the “white gold.” Because of its high value, demand for sugar created a complex trading web including many countries. The idea of “Triangular Sugar Trade” was misleading, because of the many people and goods involved in the interchange of goods, especially sugar.
 As a historian, the author would have more of an informational view of this subject. It is evident he used many sources to gather his information; However other documents would prove extremely useful in analyzing this topic. One source in particular would be an account from the perspective of a merchant traveller who traded sugar, it would be interesting to view the revenue of sugar trade as well as the countries involved in trade. Another document that would be useful would be from the point of view of a slave owner. Again, it would be interesting to see the profits of trade in addition to possibly the conditions the slaves worked

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