Slave Trade

Question 1

What was Britain’s largest single import from the 1750s until the 1820s?

Answer 1

Sugar

Sugar played a critical role in Britain’s economy and was a major driver of the transatlantic slave trade.

Question 2

How much sugar did the average person in Britain consume around 1800?

Answer 2

20 pounds per person per year

This was significantly higher than the 2 pounds per person per year consumed in France.

Question 3

What was the trend in coffee consumption in Britain by 1700?

Answer 3

Increased consumption and re-exportation

British merchants sought greater profits by exporting more coffee to other countries.

Question 4

Who introduced tobacco to England?

Answer 4

Walter Raleigh

Tobacco was introduced in the 16th century and became popular for various reasons, including health misconceptions.

Question 5

Why did tobacco become more popular among ordinary people in Britain?

Answer 5

It was wrongly thought to be good for health and became cheaper due to increased production
Addictive

The expansion of tobacco plantations in America led to lower prices.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Sugar consumption in Britain around 1800 was _______ times what it was in France.

Answer 6

TEN

This stark contrast highlights the differences in consumption habits between the two countries.

Question 7

What role did sugar play in the consumption of tea and coffee in Britain?

Answer 7

It was mixed and drunk with tea and coffee

Sugar’s popularity contributed to the overall increase in tea and coffee consumption.

Question 8

True or False: The more tobacco that was grown on American slave plantations, the higher the prices became.

Answer 8

False

Increased production led to falling prices, making tobacco more accessible to the public.

Question 9

What was a significant consequence of the growing tobacco trade for British merchants?

Answer 9

Increased profits from both imports and exports

Merchants exported tobacco to maximize their earnings.