USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Although originally built for trade in gold and ivory and other resources, Elmina was the first of many trading posts built by Europeans along Africa’s western coast that would also come to export slaves. The well-armed fort provided a secure harbor for Portuguese (and later Dutch and English) ships.

Detailed explanation-2: -Access to commodities such as fabrics, spices, and gold motivated a European quest for a faster means to reach South Asia. It was this search that led the Portuguese down the coast of West Africa to Sierra Leone in 1460.

Detailed explanation-3: -Portuguese expansion into the Atlantic began with the discovery of the Canary Islands in 1341. These are shown on the map off the west coast of North Africa. They are labeled Insule Canarie.

Detailed explanation-4: -At first, the Portuguese established trading stations along the west coast of Africa rather than permanent settlements. They built forts at Cape Blanco, Sierra Leone and Elmina to protect their trading stations from rival European traders.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Phoenicians were skilled sailors and explored Africa’s coast. According to an ancient Greek historian, Phoenicians sailed all the way around Africa about 600 bce. Hanno, from Carthage, was one of the greatest of the ancient explorers. About 500 bce he led an expedition to the west coast of Africa.