During the 1400s, Europeans developed an interest in gold and other riches from Africa. For many years, travelers brought gold, silver, and ivory across land routes that connected Africa to the Mediterranean region.
The shortest leg of the triangular trade routes was typically the route from Europe to Africa, where European traders exchanged manufactured goods for enslaved Africans.
Trade routes
Important routes in africa are seeeds
The Triangular Trade routes were either from Britain to Africa, America to Britain, America to Africa, or other routes that lead to either Africa, America, or Britain
Hatshepsut
There are many trade routes in Africa. These routes were used as routes for trade and often times for travel.
Africa was primarily colonized by European countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, and Italy. These countries competed for control of territories in Africa to exploit its resources, establish trade routes, and expand their empires. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the colonization process and divided Africa among European powers without consideration for Africa's existing borders or indigenous populations.
The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, significantly impacted the scramble for Africa by enhancing European powers' access to Asian markets, making Africa's coastal regions more strategically valuable. Control of the canal allowed for quicker and more efficient maritime trade routes, prompting European nations to intensify their colonial pursuits in Africa to secure trade routes and resources. This led to heightened competition among European powers, resulting in the partitioning of the continent and the establishment of colonial rule across various regions. Ultimately, the canal's strategic importance accelerated imperial ambitions and facilitated the exploitation of Africa's resources.
The Songhai Empire was built by Sunni Ali, a skilled military leader who expanded their territory through conquest and control of trade routes in West Africa. He ruled the empire from 1464 to 1492.
Three explorers whose travels benefited their country include Christopher Columbus, who opened up the Americas to European exploration and colonization; Marco Polo, whose travels to China and the East expanded European knowledge of Asia and trade routes; and Lewis and Clark, who explored the western United States and helped to map and establish American presence in that region.
European explorers were primarily attracted to Africa by the potential for wealth through the trade of valuable resources such as gold, ivory, and other goods. They were also interested in expanding their empires, establishing new trade routes, spreading Christianity, and gaining knowledge about the cultures and territories of the African continent.