what role did the silver trade play in the atlantic slave trade? please choose the correct answer from the following choices, and then select the submit answer button. demand for silver in africa was high, and slaves were typically purchased with this precious metal. europeans used the silver to buy cowrie shells, indian textiles, and other goods much in demand in africa. incorrect: demand for labor to work in the great silver mines of the americas was a driving force in the atlantic slave trade. demand for labor to work in the great silver mines of the americas was a driving force in the atlantic slave trade. incorrect: silver was used to pay european mercenaries, who served as slave raiders along the african coast. silver was used to pay european mercenaries, who served as slave raiders along the african coast.