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Colonial Trade with England and Africa — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This history reading passage explores colonial trade between the American colonies, England, and Africa, focusing on the cause and effect relationship of the triangular trade system. Students will learn how goods, crops, and people moved across the Atlantic Ocean, shaping early American society. The passage highlights important vocabulary, provides a glossary, and includes a timeline to support chronological thinking. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz and writing prompts to deepen understanding and connect past to present. The resource aligns with the C3 Framework and Common Core ELA standards, fostering literacy and historical knowledge. Read-aloud audio and a full Spanish translation support diverse learners and make the content accessible to all students.

CONTENT PREVIEW

the triangular trade route between North America, Europe, and Africa in the 1700s. — A visual representation of the triangular trade, connecting three continents and illustrating the exchange of goods and enslaved people.

The colonies in America traded with England and Africa across the Atlantic Ocean. This system was called the triangular trade because it formed a triangle on the map. Ships moved between three places: the American colonies, England, and the west coast of Africa. Each trip carried different goods. This trade was important for the economies of all three places.

Ships left American ports loaded with raw materials like tobacco, cotton, fish, and wood. These goods were called exports because they were sent out of the colonies. The ships sailed across the Atlantic to England. In England, these raw materials were used in factories. The English made manufactured goods such as cloth, tools, and furniture.

From England, ships sailed to Africa. The English traders brought manufactured goods to trade for enslaved people. The traders exchanged cloth, guns, and other items for men, women, and children. This part of the journey was very hard and sad for the people taken from Africa.

Ships then carried enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to the American colonies. This trip was called the "Middle Passage." Conditions on the ships were terrible. Many people got sick or died. When the ships reached America, enslaved people were sold to work on farms and plantations. In return, the ships were loaded again with raw materials, and the cycle continued.

This trade helped the colonies get items they could not make themselves. It also made England rich from selling manufactured goods. However, the triangular trade caused great suffering for many Africans and their families.

Without this trade, the colonies would have grown much more slowly. The trade routes brought new goods and ideas, but also led to hard times for many people.

Interesting Fact: Some colonial ports, like Boston and Charleston, grew rich and busy because they were important stops on the triangular trade routes.

What is the triangular trade?

Trade between America, England, and AfricaTrade between America and ChinaTrade only within AmericaTrade only with Africa

What did ships carry from America?

Raw materialsManufactured goodsGoldSpices

What was the Middle Passage?

Journey of enslaved Africans to AmericaTrip from America to EnglandRoute from England to FranceTrade of cotton for sugar

Why did England want raw materials?

To make manufactured goodsTo sell them in AfricaTo eat themTo grow crops

What happened to enslaved people on ships?

Many got sick or diedThey traded goodsThey were freeThey became ship captains

How did trade help colonial ports?

Made them rich and busyMade them emptyClosed themMoved them inland