Why did the Dutch begin to sell firearms to West Africa?(1 point)
Responses
The pope lifted his ban on firearms sales to non-Christians.
The pope lifted his ban on firearms sales to non-Christians.
They knew it would lead to an increase in enslaved peoples.
They knew it would lead to an increase in enslaved peoples.
They wanted to keep up with the other European traders.
They wanted to keep up with the other European traders.
The Portuguese could not supply enough firearms.
The Portuguese could not supply enough firearms.
The correct answer is: The Portuguese could not supply enough firearms.
To determine the reason why the Dutch began to sell firearms to West Africa, we can analyze the given options:
1. The pope lifted his ban on firearms sales to non-Christians.
This option suggests that the Dutch started selling firearms to West Africa because the pope removed the ban on selling firearms to non-Christians. However, it is important to note that the pope's decisions may have influenced the actions of European countries, but they were not the sole determining factor in their actions.
2. They knew it would lead to an increase in enslaved peoples.
According to this option, the Dutch began selling firearms to West Africa because they believed it would result in an increase in enslaved individuals. This implies that the availability of firearms would make it easier for West African groups to engage in conflicts and capture more people for enslavement. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this option suggests a morally reprehensible motive for the Dutch.
3. They wanted to keep up with the other European traders.
This option proposes that the Dutch started selling firearms to West Africa in order to remain competitive with other European traders. It suggests that firearms were in demand as trade goods, and the Dutch did not want to fall behind in the lucrative trade industry. This motive aligns with the economic nature of European colonial expansion.
4. The Portuguese could not supply enough firearms.
According to this option, the Dutch began selling firearms to West Africa because the Portuguese were incapable of supplying sufficient quantities of firearms. This suggests that the Dutch identified a supply gap in the firearms market and sought to capitalize on it by offering a greater availability of firearms to West African traders or local populations.
Based on the given options, the most plausible answer to why the Dutch started selling firearms to West Africa is the fourth option – The Portuguese could not supply enough firearms.