Exploration of the African coast

Definition

The exploration of the African coast refers to the period during the 15th and 16th centuries when European powers, particularly Portugal, embarked on maritime expeditions to chart the coastal regions of West Africa. This era marked a significant shift in global trade dynamics and laid the groundwork for future colonial endeavors, connecting Europe with Africa and the wider Atlantic world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The exploration began in earnest with Portuguese voyages, starting with Prince Henry's support for expeditions to map the West African coastline.
2. One of the significant outcomes of these explorations was the establishment of trading posts and forts along the African coast, which facilitated trade in gold, ivory, and eventually enslaved people.
3. Explorers like Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias were critical in navigating around the Cape of Good Hope, expanding European knowledge and access to African resources.
4. The exploration efforts also led to increased European involvement in Africa, setting the stage for later colonization and exploitation of the continent's resources and people.
5. The developments in navigation technology during this time, such as improvements in cartography and shipbuilding, greatly aided explorers in their voyages along the African coast.

Review Questions

• How did the technological advancements during the Age of Discovery impact the exploration of the African coast?
  • Technological advancements such as improved ship designs like the caravel and advancements in navigational tools like the astrolabe allowed explorers to travel further and with greater accuracy along the African coast. These innovations made it possible for European powers to embark on longer voyages, enabling them to map previously uncharted territories. This enhanced capability not only facilitated trade but also increased competition among European nations for control over these newly discovered routes.
• Assess the implications of Portuguese exploration on local African societies during this period.
  • Portuguese exploration had profound implications for local African societies. The establishment of trading posts led to increased contact between Europeans and Africans, altering trade dynamics significantly. While some regions benefited economically from new trading opportunities, others faced exploitation and disruption due to European interests. The advent of European demand for slaves also began a dark chapter in history that would have long-lasting effects on African communities and cultures.
• Evaluate how the exploration of the African coast influenced global trade patterns in the following centuries.
  • The exploration of the African coast fundamentally transformed global trade patterns by connecting Europe with Africa and subsequently the Americas. The establishment of trade networks facilitated not only the exchange of goods like gold and ivory but also initiated the transatlantic slave trade, which had devastating impacts on African societies. As European powers continued to expand their colonial ambitions, these trade routes became central to an emerging global economy that relied heavily on exploitation and labor from Africa, reshaping economic relations across continents for centuries to come.

Related terms

Caravel:

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese that was instrumental in oceanic exploration during the Age of Discovery.

Prince Henry the Navigator: A Portuguese prince who played a key role in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and was a patron of many expeditions along the African coast.

Slave Trade:

The transatlantic trade system that forcibly transported millions of Africans to the Americas for forced labor, which was fueled by the European exploration of Africa.