Conquest of Africa

1. Conquest of Africa

2. Early Trade Africa and Europe • Atlantic Slave trade was from the 1500’s to the 1800’s. • Prior to this date Europeans and Africans traded as equals. • Europeans traded for gold in Mali and Ghana, and for salt in the Sahara.

3. European Exploration of Africa • The Portuguese began exploring West Africa in the 1400’s. • In 1497, they explored the eastern shore by rounding the tip of southern Africa. • They seized the riches of the city-states there.

4. Continued... • Dutch, French, and English began setting up posts along the coasts as well.

5. Slavery in Africa • Slavery was not uncommon in Africa before the 1500’s. • Slaves usually obtained freedom through hard work. • Slaves’ freedom could be bought by their own people. • Some became important people in society.

6. Atlantic Slave Trade • Europeans colonized the Americas. • They needed people to work the land. • Native Americans were used first, but often died from disease. • They began importing Africans in large numbers.

7. Continued... • Slaves were treated like property. • They had no way to gain freedom. • Slave trade lasted until the 1800’s. • Millions of Africans were taken from their homes and shipped into slavery. (about 78,000 per year) • Conditions of these ships were repulsive.

8. Slavery’s Effect on Africa • West Africa lost its youngest, healthiest, and most capable people. • Families and societies were ruined.

9. European Colonization of Africa • Beginning in the 1800’s, Europeans started raiding Africa for its resources. • Africans tried to resist but could not. • European nations set rules with one another on claiming land in Africa. • Finally, Europeans made new political boundaries. (caused much conflict).