while investigating the increased warfare in west africa between sixteen and eighteen centuries what do many historians argue is the key factor in increasing warfare at large
Many historians argue that the key factor in increasing warfare in West Africa between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries was the transatlantic slave trade. This trade resulted in a significant rise in inter-ethnic conflicts and the desire to capture slaves for sale to European traders. The demand for slaves led to an escalation in violence and warfare as different African kingdoms and communities competed to supply the European demand. The introduction of firearms through European trade also played a significant role, as it shifted the balance of power and increased the lethality of armed conflicts. Additionally, the disruption caused by the slave trade in established economic and political systems further contributed to the intensification of warfare.
Many historians argue that the key factor in increasing warfare in West Africa between the 16th and 18th centuries was the Atlantic slave trade. The demand for African slaves by European colonizers created rivalries among African kingdoms and fueled conflicts over control of territories, resources, and captives. The availability of captives for the slave trade increased the incentive for warfare, as capturing and selling slaves became a profitable venture. This led to the intensification of existing conflicts and the emergence of new ones. The Atlantic slave trade also disrupted social, economic, and political structures in West Africa, contributing to regional instability and a rise in warfare.
