What European nations were the first to engage in trade talks with Africans
To determine which European nations were the first to engage in trade talks with Africans, we can follow the following steps:
1. Research the Age of Discovery: The Age of Discovery, also known as the Age of Exploration, was a period from the 15th to the 17th century when European nations began exploring and expanding trade routes around the world.
2. Identify the key European nations: During the Age of Discovery, several European nations played a significant role in maritime exploration and trade. These nations include Portugal, Spain, England, France, and the Netherlands.
3. Examine historical records and accounts: Consult historical sources, journals, and archives from that time to identify the earliest encounters between Europeans and Africans.
Based on historical records, the Portuguese were one of the first European nations to establish direct trade relations with Africans. Portuguese explorers, such as Henry the Navigator, initiated expeditions along the African coast in the 15th century, aiming to secure valuable trade routes for resources like gold, spices, and slaves. They made contact with various African civilizations, such as the Kingdom of Benin and the Kingdom of Kongo, initiating trade negotiations and establishing trade outposts.
It is important to note that while the Portuguese were among the first European nations to engage in trade talks with Africans, other European nations followed suit in subsequent years, initiating their own trade relationships with African communities.