Portugal primarily sent enslaved people from Africa to Europe until about 1518, when the destination shifted to the Americas. Which statement BEST explains the cause of this shift?
A European countries had too many slaves and farmers were no longer buying them.
B Most European countries began phasing out the use of slave labor starting in 1518.
C Enslaved people began revolting in the 1500s and only agreed to work if sent to the Americas.
D The demand for slaves increased with the rise of European settlements in the Americas.
The correct answer is D: The demand for slaves increased with the rise of European settlements in the Americas.
Explanation: As European powers established colonies in the Americas, they needed a large labor force to work on plantations and in mines. This created an increased demand for enslaved people, leading to the shift in the slave trade from Africa to servicing these new settlements in the Americas.