Why did Europeans first become interested in Africa?
Why Africa, of all places? I'm getting nowhere with this question.
Please read this article carefully.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization_of_Africa
That entire article is a little overwhelming. Could you maybe point out what heading to look under?
Actually...I think I found it. I read that they were originally planning to use it as a base for trade. Is that correct?
Eve -- you posted this just 3 minutes after I posted the link to the article. You can't possibly have studied the article in that length of time. Please take the time to read the article and zero in on the parts that pertain to your question.
That's only a small part of the answer. Please keep reading.
The Europeans first became interested in Africa for a variety of reasons, and it is important to understand the historical context to better comprehend their motivations.
1. Trade: Africa had long been a center of trade, known for its rich resources such as gold, ivory, and other valuable commodities. Europeans sought to establish direct access to these resources, bypassing the intermediaries in the existing trade routes.
2. Exploration: Exploratory voyages were a prominent endeavor of European nations during the Age of Discovery. With the advancements in navigation technology, such as the compass and improved sailing ships, European sailors ventured into unknown territories, including Africa, in search of new trade routes and lands to claim.
3. Expansion of Empires: European nations were engaged in intense competition with one another to establish colonies and expand their empires. Africa presented an opportunity for colonial expansion as European powers sought strategic positions for military and economic purposes.
4. Missionary Activities: Another significant aspect was the interest in spreading Christianity. European missionaries were motivated by religious convictions and sought to convert Africans to Christianity. This fueled a desire to gain influence and control over African territories.
To find more detailed information, you can utilize various resources:
1. History books: Consult academic or historical textbooks that cover the exploration and colonization of Africa by European powers. Look for specific chapters or sections that discuss the reasons behind their interests.
2. Scholarly articles: Search for scholarly articles written by historians specializing in African history or colonialism. Websites such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or academic databases provide access to these articles.
3. Online archives: Explore digital archives and collections that feature primary sources, such as diaries, letters, and official documents from the period in question. Institutions like the British Library or the Library of Congress may provide access to such resources.
4. Museums and exhibitions: Visit local museums or exhibitions focusing on colonial history to gain insights into the motivations behind European interest in Africa.
By utilizing these resources and conducting further research, you will be able to deepen your understanding of why Europeans became interested in Africa.