What was the main purpose of slave ships in the transatlantic triangle trade?

The main purpose of slave ships in the transatlantic triangle trade was to deliver enslaved Africans to the Americas. This was a central aspect of the triangular trade system that saw European merchants sail to Africa to procure enslaved individuals, who were then transported across the Atlantic, a journey known as the Middle Passage. The brutal conditions on these slave ships resulted in significant loss of life due to overcrowding, disease, and mistreatment.

Once arrived in the Americas, these enslaved individuals were forced to work on plantations producing cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which were highly profitable in European markets. This not only fueled the economic growth of the colonies but also contributed significantly to the wealth of European nations involved in the trade.

The other options involve aspects of the triangular trade but do not represent the primary function of slave ships. While goods were indeed transported from Europe to Africa and agricultural products were returned to Europe from the Americas, these activities were secondary to the crucial role of slave ships in delivering human cargo, which was a cornerstone of the economic model of the time. Additionally, the transportation of indentured laborers is a separate historical phenomenon that occurred under different circumstances and timelines.