Consequence of the introduction of legitimate trade in West Africa

Study question

Examine the consequences of the introduction of legitimate trade in West Africa

(Show the background of the question; consider the positive and negative effects; conclude)

The consequences of the introduction of legitimate trade in West Africa

The introduction of legitimate trade in West Africa had several significant consequences:

Economic Consequences:

• Shift in Trade Goods: The focus shifted from the trade in enslaved people to agricultural products like palm oil, groundnuts, and rubber. This led to the development of new agricultural economies.
• Increased Labor Demand: The production of these goods required significant manual labor, leading to an increased demand for labor. This sometimes resulted in the exploitation of local populations.
• Economic Diversification: Legitimate trade diversified the economies of West African states, reducing their dependence on the slave trade.
• There was development of trust and credit systems between the Africans and Europeans traders under legitimate trade systems.
• There was development of transport network in form of roads and Railway lines to transport goods, services and traders.
• Introduction of formal currencies. To facilitate exchange of goods and services and this replaced the barter trade.
• There was development of industries and industrial processes.
• Introduction of cash crops.
• Development of urban areas as Lagos, Accra, Freetown and others.

Social Consequences:

• Disruption of Traditional Societies: The end of the slave trade disrupted traditional social structures and economies that had been built around it. This led to social upheaval and changes in societal roles and hierarchies.
• Population Growth: With the cessation of the slave trade, populations began to recover and grow, leading to increased competition for resources.
• Intermarriages: resulted into a new race the Creoles.
• Culture exchange between Africans and Europeans
• Promoted the spread of Christianity supported by profitable trade. For instance, Germany supported missionary activities in Togo land while the British supported missionaries in Nigeria and Ghana.
• There was development of social classes i.e. middle class (owners of assets and capita) plus the class of workers who assisted those capitalists to manage their economies

Political Consequences:

• Colonial Expansion: The introduction of legitimate trade paved the way for increased European intervention and eventual colonization. European powers sought to control the production and export of these goods, leading to the establishment of colonial rule.
• Political Instability: The economic changes and European presence often led to political instability and conflicts as local leaders and communities navigated the new economic landscape.
• New political figure: legitimate trade led to the rise of new men most of whom were among the ex-slaves. These included Nnana of Itsekeri, Jaja of Opondo and others.
• Introduction of guns and munitions: These were for the defense of Europeans but weakened African might who depended on spears and arrows.
• There was increased European competitions such British, French and Germany leading instability.

Long-term Impact:

• Economic Development: Over time, the introduction of legitimate trade contributed to the economic development of the region, although this was often overshadowed by the negative impacts of colonialism.
• Cultural Exchange: The trade in agricultural products facilitated cultural exchange between West Africa and Europe, influencing local customs, practices, and technologies.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science