The opening of European plantations in the…

1396 CE to 1539 CE

The opening of European plantations in the New World during the 1500s, which suddenly expands the demand for slaves in the Americas, sees slaves soon overshadowing gold as the principal export of the Gold Coast area.

Indeed, the west coast of Africa becomes the principal source of slaves for the New World.

The seemingly insatiable market and the substantial profits to be gained from the slave trade attract adventurers from all over Europe.

Much of the conflict that arises among European groups on the coast and among competing African kingdoms is the result of rivalry for control of this trade.

Locations
Elmina Central Ghana View →

Groups
Ga-Adangme View → Fante people View → Ewe people View → Akan people View → Portuguese people View → Portugal, Avizan (Joannine) Kingdom of View → Portuguese Empire View → Portuguese Gold Coast View →

Topics
Sub-Saharan Africa, Medieval View → Interaction with Subsaharan Africa, Early European View →

Commodities
Gem materials View → Strategic metals View → Slaves View → Spices View →

Subjects
Commerce View → Engineering View → Labor and Service View → Government View →

Regions

Subregions

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