What is the meaning of “commodity” in paragraph 3?
The small nation of Portugal set the Atlantic slave trade in motion in the mid-15th century. Its traders, equipped with the most modern maps and navigation equipment of the time, ventured south along the African coast seeking gold and other goods. They also found slaves. Beginning in 1444, they bought enslaved prisoners from African rulers and traders. They then transported some back to Portugal or Spain to work as domestic or farm laborers. Others went to Portuguese-controlled Atlantic islands where they were put to work on sugar plantations on the islands of Madeira and the Canaries. Still others were sent to work on farms raising cotton on the islands of the Azores. In exchange, the Africans who sold slaves received cloth, which initially was the most important commodity traded. They also received cowry shells, tobacco, alcohol, iron,and weapons. Few Portuguese buyers or African sellers questioned the morality of slavery or the trade in slaves. Both institutions were recognized as a source of wealth for those involved.
A.
gift
B.
information
C.
product
D.
wealth
