Africa Before 1880

Africa was only limitedly colonized before 1880 because it lacked the conditions necessary for any plantation system and consisted of highly organized states that would not easily submit to European control.

Europeans needed to deal respectfully with the West African rulers as they had the means to provide the fresh slaves Europeans wanted for their New World colonies.

The two main reasons for the limited colonization of Africa before 1880 were the lack of conditions necessary for a plantation system and the presence of highly organized states that resisted European control.

Africa's limited colonization before 1880 was due to the lack of conditions necessary for plantation systems, such as easily accessible cultivable land. Additionally, the presence of highly organized states that resisted European control and the availability of fresh slaves for the New World colonies further hindered European colonization efforts.

Europeans needed to deal respectfully with West African rulers because they had the means to provide the fresh slaves that Europeans wanted for their New World colonies. The West African rulers held significant power and influence in the slave trade, making respectful interactions necessary for Europeans to obtain the slaves they desired.

The primary obstacles that prevented widespread European control in Africa before 1880 included the resistance of highly organized states, the lack of suitable conditions for plantation systems, and the necessity of respectful dealings with West African rulers who controlled the slave trade.