Final answer:
Molasses was critical to the success of the triangular trade as it was used to produce rum, which was a valuable commodity for trading slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The triangular trade system was a complex economic network that connected three regions: Europe, West Africa, and the Americas. One key component of this trade system was molasses, which played a critical role in the success of the triangular trade. Molasses was a by-product of sugar production in the Caribbean colonies, and it was primarily used for the production of rum. Rum was a valuable commodity in trade for slaves in African ports, as English slave traders exchanged rum for captives. The availability of molasses and the production of rum were essential in sustaining the triangular trade.