THE AFRICAN MEETING WITH THE EUROPEANSThe arrival of Europeans in Africa brought about many changes. Initially, their arrival led to improved trade, although many minerals were taken away by them. But things got worse when this trade evolved into the sale and purchase of human beings. From that time on, many things happened to the African people. Some of the events that occurred included the arrival of missionaries who also had an impact on the African community. Later, it was the conquest and partition of Africa. Many of these experiences that occurred during the arrival of Europeans had a negative impact on Africans. This article will reflect on the changes and consequences that occurred when Europeans encountered Africans. First, when Europeans arrived in Africa, mainly the Portuguese, they had good reason to trade. At that time, Africans were the main producers of gold and when the Portuguese arrived, they had to establish trade relations. This trade was of great importance to the African community as they were able to profit from it by exchanging their gold, ivory and other minerals with European goods, such as copper, brass, cowrie shells and tissues (Shillington, 1995, p. 169). But Africa lost its vast mineral resources and raw materials at this time. However, this encounter with Europeans turned into a huge consequence when the slave trade was introduced. This slavery brought many unbearable challenges to Africans. The main consequence of this slave trade was the depopulation of Africans. Shillington (1995) stated that millions of Africans were taken prisoner into slavery (p. 171). Additionally, it was noted that those who were enslaved were the most productive young people...... middle of paper ...... Africans. This encounter began with trade, and it somehow benefited Africans by obtaining European products. However, Africans have lost their raw materials in the form of cheaper ores. The other devastating thing that Africans experienced was the slave trade. This slave trade led to the depopulation of the most productive and powerful Africans, who could have contributed to the development of Africa. Later, Christianity came and it was a good move. But the Europeans' actions were contrary to their Christian values. Additionally, African traditional and spiritual beliefs disappeared as many Africans converted to Christianity. Apart from this, Africa was conquered and colonized. African societies must be divided. The colonizers also forced Africans to do much of the building and construction. Above all, Africans had to fight a war that they did not start..