Final answer:
European powers gained and maintained control of colonies in Africa through trade, negotiations, and military advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
European powers were able to gain and maintain control of colonies in Africa due to several factors. One factor was the eagerness of African rulers to engage in trade with the Europeans. Negotiations between the Europeans and African rulers also played a role in granting the Europeans trade rights. Additionally, Europeans had a powerful military advantage, which allowed them to establish control over African territories.
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