(i) In order to overcome the shortage of labour on the plantations, a triangular slave trade between Europe, Africa and the Americas began in the 17th century.


(ii) French merchants sailed from the ports of Bordeaux or Nantes to the African coast, where they bought slaves from local chieftains. Branded and shackled, the slaves were packed tightly into ships for the three-month long voyage across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. There they were sold to plantation owners. Thus, slave trade was deeply rooted in France.

(iii) Throughout the 18th century there was little criticism of slavery in France. The National Assembly held long debates about whether the rights of man should be extended to all French subjects including those in the colonies. But it did not pass any laws, fearing opposition from businessmen whose incomes depended on the slave trade. It was finally the Convention which in 1794 legislated to free all slaves in the French overseas possessions. This, however, did not last for long. After a decade, Napoleon reintroduced slavery in 1804 which was finally abolished in French colonies in 1848.

Trade in the 17th and 18th centuries was conducted through various means, including land, sea, and river transportation. Goods were transported from one place to another using these modes of transportation, depending on the distance and volume of goods. The following are the ways through which trade was carried out in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Land Transportation
Land transportation was carried out using carts, wagons, and pack animals like horses, mules, and donkeys. These were used to transport goods over shorter distances and were ideal for carrying small volumes of goods. This mode of transportation was popular in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Sea Transportation
Sea transportation was the most important mode of transportation in the 17th and 18th centuries. Ships were used to transport goods across the oceans and seas. The ships were built to carry large volumes of goods, including spices, textiles, and precious metals. The most famous ship of this era was the British East India Company's ship, which was used to transport goods from India to Europe.

River Transportation
River transportation was popular in countries like China, India, and Egypt, where there were many rivers. Boats and barges were used to transport goods along the rivers. This mode of transportation was ideal for carrying goods that were not time-sensitive, as it was slower than sea or land transportation.

Trade Fairs
Trade fairs were also popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. These were events where traders from different parts of the world would come together to buy and sell goods. Trade fairs were held in different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The most famous trade fair of this era was the Leipzig Trade Fair in Germany.

Conclusion
In conclusion, trade in the 17th and 18th centuries was carried out using different modes of transportation, depending on the distance and volume of goods. Land transportation was used for shorter distances, sea transportation for longer distances, and river transportation was ideal for countries with many rivers. Trade fairs were also a popular means of conducting trade during this era.