Map West Africa

Pre-Colonization: Rich Kingdoms

West Africa is politically and economically controlled by three rich kingdoms: Ghana, Mali and Songhai. They made their wealth by trading natural resources, like gold and salt.

Mid 1400s: Slave Trade Begins

The slave trade begins. European and North American traders arrive on the West African coast and trade with local rulers for kidnapped African men and women to bring to America on ships and sell as slave-laborers. The European influence in the region increases.

Early 1800s: Slave Trade Ends

Slavery is gradually eliminated in Europe and the Americas and the slave trade ends.

Late 1800s: Scramble for Africa

European countries realize that West Africa is rich in natural resources. They begin to forcefully take over West African countries in a race for complete continental control known as the “Scramble for Africa.”

1847: A Free Country

Liberia is founded by freed American slaves. It becomes the only West African country that is not controlled by a European power.

Mid 1900s: Independence

After the Second World War, West African countries start gaining independence, sometimes peacefully and sometimes through rebellion against their European rulers. Ghana leads the way in 1957. Independence is the first step toward empowerment for African people.

1960 to Present: Civil War

Corruption in the region’s newly formed governments causes many civil wars, notably in Sierra Leone and Liberia.