Portuguese Presence in Africa in Essay

This region had long been the source of slaves for the route through the Sahara to the Mediterranean. The arrival of the Portuguese opened up another channel which they expanded during the 16th century.

On the east coast the Portuguese were drawn to Mozambique and the Zambezi River by news of a local people, the Munhumutapa, who allegedly possessed fabulous wealth in gold. In 1531, in an effort to reach Munhumutapa and their gold, the Portuguese established two settlements far up the Zambezi River. One of these settlements, Tete, was 260 miles from the ocean; however the treasure remained beyond their grasp.

The colonization of Africa by the Portuguese had a devastating impact on some of the exiting civilizations. The Afro-Muslim Zendj civilization of East Africa, who competed for the African trade, was completely destroyed by 1583. The Kingdoms of the Congo and the Monomotapa were also destroyed by Portuguese conquerors. Initially interactions with the Congo were good. They embraced Catholicism and welcomed Portuguese missionaries and merchants. However the slave trade eventually became a major issue of dispute in the region and the Portuguese imposed their will ("History of the Portuguese Empire"). Conclusion The Portuguese presence in Africa in the 16th century opened the coast for further exploration into the interior of the continent. They brought both good and bad to Africa, including their culture, Christianity, agriculture, and slavery. Works Cited "History of Africa. "History of the World (2011) 5 April 2011 "History of the Portuguese Empire." History of the World (2011) 5 April 2011 Pope Nicholas V. "Dum Diversas." Unam Santam Catholicam. June 18, 1452. Trans. Bishop Nicholas. February 5, 2011. 5 April 2011 .....