Lecturer: Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo (University of British Columbia)
Topic: European Exploration of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on the process of colonialism and its stages.
Stages of Colonialism
Stages leading to Colonialism: The transition and interaction of European nations with Africa included several key stages:
Exploration
Trade (considered 'legitimate' trade)
Slavery (Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade)
Christian missionary works
Colonialism
Independence
Neo-Colonialism
The Timeline of Portuguese Exploration
Key Dates: 1419-1498
1419: Establishment of exploration efforts by Portugal, led by Prince Henry the Navigator at Madeira.
1434-1443: Portuguese exploration reached Cape Bojador; they constructed a fortress on Arguin in Mauritania, engaging in the trade of wheat and cloth for African gold and slaves. This marked the first occurrence of West African gold reaching Europe directly, without Muslim mediation.
1444-1447: Further voyages to Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea.
1456: Alvise Cadamosto explored to Cape Verde.
1462: Christened the area as Serra Leoa, meaning 'Lioness Mountains'.
1471: Fernao Gomes reached what is now Ghana, establishing a settlement in Elmina (originally named Edina, meaning 'The Mine'), an area abundant in gold, later called the Gold Coast.
1472-1497: Fernao do Po named the region around modern-day Cameroon. Established a base in Sao Tome, which had settlers including European criminals by 1485, and later forcibly sent Jewish individuals.
1482: Diogo Cao discovered the Congo River, learning about the Kingdom of Kongo.
1488: Bartholomeu Dias reached the Cape of Good Hope.
1492: Columbus landed in the Americas, indicating the broadening scope of European exploration beyond Africa.
1497-1498: Vasco da Gama reached Mozambique and Kenya, found Arab and Chinese traders in Malindi, and successfully reached Calicut, India, with an Arab pilot's assistance.
August 28, 1498: King Manuel of Portugal informed the Pope about Portugal's arrival in India, marking a significant point in trade.
Transition to 'Legitimate Trade'
Following the explorative periods, 'legitimate trade' began with Africa, which included the exchange of goods but was eventually overshadowed by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, illustrating a shift towards exploitation.
Historical Context of Trade in Africa
Pre-European Trade Networks: Before European interference, Africa had established networks to facilitate the movement of goods, including:
Gold and other commodities were routed through organized caravans, which pre-dated European contact.
Economies renowned for their wealth were centralized in kingdoms such as Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Ashanti—leading to a flourishing of art and architecture.
Cargoes of gold were transported via camel caravans to cities like Marrakesh and Cairo, eventually linking to global trade routes extending to Europe, Asia, India, and China.
Key commercial centers included Koumbi Saleh, Jenne, Mopti, and Timbuktu, which served as critical hubs for long-distance trade.
Davidson's Analysis of Trade
Historical Emergence of Europe: From the 13th century onward, Europe, emerging from the Dark Ages, began engaging with African trade—evidenced by the minting of gold coins in regions like Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Cultural Significance of Gold: England's relationship with Africa's gold was symbolically represented by the African elephant featured on the gold guinea during Charles II’s reign (1660-1685).
Wealth of African Kingdoms: The King of Ghana was noted in ancient writings as possibly the most affluent ruler in the world according to visiting scholars.
The Mali Empire
Geographical expanse: Described as being four months wide and four months long, greater than Western Europe.
Cultural and Economic Hub: The Kingdom of Mali was the epicenter for gold trade, contributing significantly to the empire's wealth.
Significant Figures: Kan Kan Musa converted Timbuktu into a vital center of learning and Islamic scholarship around 1324, fostering high literacy levels among its populace; literature was promoted alongside Islamic teachings.
Academic Advancements: Establishment of a University in Timbuktu marked its ascent as a significant educational institution.
Historical Observations: A Spanish visitor in the early 16th century noted the presence of many learned individuals and a lucrative book trade in Timbuktu.
Ibn Batuta's Reflections: His memoir recounts a secure environment in W. Africa marked by a lack of crime, where the populace exhibited an aversion to injustice.
Significance of Gold
Symbol of Wealth: Gold held a dual role as both a commodity and a marker of societal status—intrinsically linked to power dynamics in African culture.
Material and social implications: Gold was adorned as jewelry, symbolizing pride and prestige. Kingly figures amassed substantial quantities of gold showing their status and wealth visibly.