What did the term "Middle Passage" primarily refer to?

The term "Middle Passage" primarily refers to the harrowing journey taken by slave ships from Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. This route was a central part of the triangular trade system, where ships transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean, often under horrific conditions. The Middle Passage was notorious for the overcrowding, disease, and high mortality rates among enslaved individuals during the journey, making it one of the most tragic aspects of the transatlantic slave trade.

Understanding this context highlights the significance of the term, as it encapsulates the brutal experience faced by countless individuals who were forcibly removed from their homelands and subjected to a life of enslavement. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what the Middle Passage represented in this historical context.