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It all began with the allure of gold! It's astonishing to discover that two-thirds of the world's gold originated from West Africa. The Portuguese, led by Prince Henry the Navigator, were drawn to the tales of a land rich in gold and ivory beyond the vast Sahara desert. Thus, in 1471, the first European explorers set foot on the shores of West Africa, specifically in the town of Elmina, located in what is now the Republic of Ghana.
This region came to be known as the "Gold Coast" by the Europeans due to its abundant gold reserves, which were under the control of various African kingdoms, including the Ashanti.
Seeking to bolster trade relations with the Africans, the King of Portugal commissioned the construction of a fortified trading post on the Gold Coast in 1481. The formidable fort at Elmina was swiftly erected by 1482.
Word of Portugal's lucrative trade ventures spread rapidly, attracting other European traders who also established forts along the coastline. In exchange for gold and ivory, these traders offered a range of goods including firearms, gunpowder, metal tools, beads, mirrors, and alcohol.
Elmina Castle, for instance, changed hands a few times. It was ruled by Portugal (1482-1637), Holland (1637-1872), Britain, and then Ghana when it finally gained its independence in 1957.
Initially the Portuguese. They were followed by the Spanish. However, they were followed by the French, who made a very big empire out of West Africa.
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Africa's west coast was mainly controlled by which European Empire?
probably it was france.
What continent was divided by the European powers?
Africa, in the colonization frenzy known as the Scramble for Africa (1881-1914).
To what part of Africa did European slave traders go to find slaves to take to the Americas?
European slave traders mainly went to the coastal West African modern day nations such as Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
What is the name of the British colony in in west Africa?
Nigeria is the name of the British colony in West Africa.
Where did cabral explore?
He meant to explore India, but instead wandered west and explored Brazil
Which country explored West Africa?
Portugal explored West Africa.
What European nation colonized most of west Africa?
Most of West Africa was colonized by France.
What country explored west Africa?
Portugal explored West Africa!=))<.>
What European nation colonized most of Africa?
Most of West Africa was colonized by France.
What was the country that explored the coast of west Africa?
Portugal explored the coast of west africa
What country explored Africa?
Portugal explored West Africa!=))<.>
First European nation to send explorers around the west coast of Africa?
First European nation to send explorers around the west coast of africa? He does that to every question he see's^ But the answer is: The Portuguese.
What country explored?
Portugal explored West Africa!=))<.>
First European nation to send explorers around west coast of Africa?
Portugal (The Portuguese)
Portugal was the first European nation to explore and start colonies in which area?
The Portuguese Empire was the longest colonial European empire, with its inception dating back to its capture of Cueta in North Africa in 1415 CE. With its European borders safe from attack, Portugal was free to expand and explore other regions. It became the first European nation to explore and establish colonies in west Africa.
Which European country explored the west coast of Africa began trading African slaves and eventually developed a trade route to India by sailling around Africa's southern tip?
portugal
Which European nation is located the farthest west?
Iceland is the westernmost European nation.
