African coast

Definition

The African coast refers to the vast shoreline of the African continent, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea in the north down to the southern tip of Africa. This region played a crucial role in European exploration during the Age of Discovery, particularly as a key route for trade, colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The African coast was central to the Portuguese explorations in the 15th century, as they sought new trade routes to Asia and resources from Africa.
2. The coastline facilitated the establishment of trading posts and colonies, which later became hubs for the slave trade and other commercial activities.
3. Major cities such as Lagos and Accra emerged along the African coast as important centers for trade, connecting Europe with Africa and the Americas.
4. The exploration of the African coast led to increased European interest in Africa's resources, resulting in later colonization efforts throughout the continent.
5. Navigating around the African coast allowed European explorers to find new maritime routes that significantly changed global trade patterns.

Review Questions

• How did the exploration of the African coast influence European maritime practices during the Age of Discovery?
  • Exploration of the African coast greatly influenced European maritime practices by introducing new navigational techniques and ship designs, like caravels. These developments allowed sailors to travel further and more efficiently along coastal waters. The discovery of new trade routes spurred competition among European powers for control over these valuable maritime pathways and resources.
• Discuss the economic implications of establishing trading posts along the African coast for European nations.
  • Establishing trading posts along the African coast had significant economic implications for European nations as it provided access to valuable resources such as gold, ivory, and later, enslaved people. These posts facilitated direct trade relationships, allowing Europeans to bypass traditional overland routes controlled by other empires. Consequently, this contributed to economic growth in Europe and fueled further exploration and colonization efforts across Africa.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of European exploration along the African coast on both African societies and global trade networks.
  • The long-term consequences of European exploration along the African coast were profound for both African societies and global trade networks. The influx of European goods transformed local economies and cultures while also leading to the disruption caused by the transatlantic slave trade. As millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homelands, this resulted in significant demographic changes and social upheaval. Moreover, these interactions reshaped global trade networks by integrating Africa into a larger system dominated by European interests, laying groundwork for colonial exploitation that would persist for centuries.

Related terms

Cape of Good Hope: A rocky headland on the southern tip of Africa, it was a significant landmark for sailors seeking to navigate around Africa to reach Asia.

Slave Trade:

The historical practice of trading enslaved Africans, primarily to the Americas, which was driven by European demand for labor in plantations and mines.

Caravels:

A type of small, fast ship developed by the Portuguese that enabled them to explore the African coast and beyond during the Age of Discovery.