Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest change to West African society that arose from contacts with Europeans was the introduction of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which had a devastating impact on the region. This trade, which lasted for over three centuries and saw millions of Africans taken from their homes and sold into slavery in the Americas, had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural structures of West African societies.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade had a dramatic impact on the population of West Africa. During its three centuries of operation, it is estimated that up to twelve million people were taken from West Africa and sold into slavery in the Americas, leading to a significant decline in the population in the region. This had a huge impact on the social and economic structures of West African societies, as there was a decrease in the labour force, and a decrease in the number of people able to engage in productive economic activities.
In addition to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the arrival of Europeans in West Africa led to significant changes in the region’s political and economic structures. Europeans introduced a system of colonial rule and the exploitation of West African resources for their own benefit. This included the imposition of taxes, the establishment of plantations, and the introduction of new crops and animals to the region. All of these changes had a profound impact on West African societies, leading to a shift in the traditional power structures and an increased dependence on European powers.
Overall, the arrival of Europeans in West Africa led to a major transformation of the region’s social, economic and political structures. The Transatlantic Slave Trade had a particularly devastating impact on the region, leading to a significant decline in the population, and a decrease in the labour force. In addition, the introduction of colonial rule and the exploitation of West African resources had a major impact on the region, changing the traditional power structures and creating an increased dependence on European powers.