The Europeans built forts and castles along the coast of West Africa for several reasons. Firstly, during the Age of Exploration, European powers sought to establish trade routes and expand their influence in new territories. The West African coast provided access to valuable resources such as gold, ivory, and slaves.
Secondly, these forts served as strategic military outposts for European powers to protect their trading interests and maintain control over the region. They acted as a defense against rival European nations and local African kingdoms that posed a threat to their economic activities.
Additionally, the forts were used as centers for conducting trade with local African communities. Europeans established trading posts within these forts where they exchanged goods such as textiles, firearms, and alcohol for African commodities.
Furthermore, the forts played a crucial role in facilitating the transatlantic slave trade. Africans captured or sold into slavery were held in these forts before being transported across the Atlantic Ocean.
Overall, the construction of forts along the coast of West Africa by Europeans was driven by economic interests, military strategies, and control over trade routes during a period of intense exploration and colonization.
