What was the purpose of the design and layout of slave ships in relation to the Transatlantic Slave Trade?

The design and layout of slave ships were primarily intended to maximize cargo capacity for enslaved Africans. This was crucial for shipowners and traders, as profitability depended on transporting as many enslaved individuals as possible in a single voyage. The ships were constructed to pack individuals closely together, which unfortunately led to inhumane conditions but was viewed as a necessary strategy to increase financial returns from the Transatlantic Slave Trade. By maximizing the number of individuals on board, traders aimed to enhance their profits, underscoring the commercial motivations driving the slave trade. The other choices miss this fundamental economic aspect, as the primary goal was not centered around comfort, cultural exchange, or medical care for the enslaved, but rather concerning efficiency in cargo transport.