Up until the late 19th century, the European powers were not interested in colonization at all. They had a number of trading posts along the coast and they could export any commodity out of a region simply by concluding trade and price arrangements with local rulers.
Colonization of Africa strangely enough was in most cases triggered by the abolition of slavery by the Western countries themselves, earlier in the century. Slavery and slave trade - of Africans BY Africans and Arabs - remained widespread in Africa, with local rulers unwilling to abolish it. Most colonization activities were justified as the only means of ending slavery there. In actual fact, that was indeed always one of the first measures taken by (usually) the French and British once they had claimed a country.
Later on, having colonies became somewhat of a status symbol and (mainly) England and France started claiming lands in Africa as colonies just because the other did it as well. England focused on East Africa to keep control of the sea route to the only colonial posession it REALLY valued, namely India. But to the end of the colonization period around the turn of the 20th century, abolition of slavery was always one of the first things on the agenda.
Money and Spice and clothes
Originally, it was the Scottish that were used as slaves, but when the slave escaped, they looked like every other european. By using African slaves, it was easier to differentiate.
1) American sugar, tobacco, and cotton to Europe 2) European rum, textiles, & manufactured goods to Africa 3) African slaves to the Americas
European interactions with West African kingdoms primarily began in the 15th century with the arrival of Portuguese explorers, followed by other European powers. These interactions included trade, particularly in gold, ivory, and enslaved people, as well as the establishment of trading posts along the coast. European interest in the region often led to complex relationships, involving both cooperation and conflict, as well as significant cultural exchanges. However, these interactions also contributed to the exploitation and destabilization of West African societies, particularly through the transatlantic slave trade.
state one way an African became a slave
European interest in Africa shifted from the slave trade to colonization due to increased competition among European powers for territorial control, access to resources, and strategic advantages. The decline of the transatlantic slave trade as a profitable venture also played a role, leading European nations to seek new ways to exploit African territories for economic gain and geopolitical influence through colonization.
Europeans interest in Africa turned from slave trade to colonization due to the increased demand for resources such as minerals, rubber, and ivory, as well as the potential for establishing commercial markets and strategic military positions on the continent. Additionally, advancements in technology and transportation made it easier for European powers to establish control over African territories.
Kidnapping of African slaves by European slave traders began when the transatlantic slave trade started in the 15th century. This practice was widespread during the era of colonization in the Americas until the abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century.
Europeans first took an interest in Africa mainly for economic reasons, including the desire to exploit its resources such as gold, ivory, and later on, slave labor. Additionally, European powers sought to expand their territories and influence through colonization and the establishment of trading posts along the coast. This ultimately led to the Scramble for Africa in the 19th century as European nations competed for control over African territories.
Portuguese.
Colonization had varying impacts on European settlers, African slaves, and Native Americans. European settlers often sought economic opportunities and political power, leading to the dispossession and exploitation of indigenous populations. African slaves were forcibly displaced from their homelands and subjected to brutal conditions, contributing to the development of the transatlantic slave trade. Native Americans faced land loss, cultural suppression, and violence from colonizers, resulting in devastating consequences for their communities and ways of life.
They were purchased by African Slave Traders
ENGLAND
The trans-Atlantic slave trade had devastating effects on African societies, leading to the disruption of social structures, loss of population, and economic devastation. It also facilitated the development of internal conflicts and weakened African states, paving the way for European colonization. The long-term impact of the slave trade is still felt in Africa today through issues such as systemic poverty and underdevelopment.
buying them for African slave traders
They were purchased by African Slave Traders
african states became too weak to resist the slave trade