Unit 3: Ghana, Asante Empire

First Anglo-Asante War (1823-1824)

British Governor, Sir Charles MacCarthy rejected Ashanti territorial claims over disputed Fante lands, leading to the Battle of Nsamankow (1824), killing the British Governor using his skull as a trophy.

Pre-colonial features

The Asante Empire, ruled by the king Asante, its economy was fueled by gold mining, trade, and agriculture, strong centralized authority, had a strong military, had social hierarchies and worshiped supreme gods.

European powers and motivations

The British were attracted by the region’s gold, palm oil, and trade routes for economic reasons. They established trading ports and forts along the coast to secure resources like gold.

How did things fall apart

The Asante king was exiled with his relatives due to resisting British attempts, which had weakened the political state. (1896) British colonization disrupted cultural practices by enforcing Christianity, and exploited local resources

How did the British Gold Coast Colony establish?

The British Gold Coast Colony was set up in 1821 when Britain took control of forts and land along the coast of modern-day Ghana to protect trade and expand their power in the region.

Fourth Anglo-Ashanti War (1895-1896)

British forces captured Kumasi, the Ashanti capital, and exiled the Asantehene, Prempeh I.

War of Golden Stool

1900 conflict between the British and the Ashanti people over the sacred Golden Stool, a symbol of Ashanti power and unity, which the British tried to claim but the Ashanti fiercely defended.