King's Seizure of RAC Goods in Response to Protocol Breach Raises Local Tensions

In 1714, a significant incident occurred involving the Royal African Company (RAC) and a local king who seized goods in retaliation for a breach of protocol. This event highlights the complex dynamics of trade and power in West Africa during this period. At the time, the military advantage was still predominantly on the side of the African kingdoms, allowing local leaders to assert their authority over European traders. The RAC, which was heavily involved in the trade of goods such as ivory, relied on local Afro-Portuguese merchants as intermediaries. These merchants were often advanced goods by European traders to facilitate exchanges with local populations. The seizure of RAC goods by the king serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power and the importance of adhering to established protocols in trade relations. Such incidents not only affected the immediate trade dynamics but also had broader implications for European colonial ambitions in the region. The event underscores the necessity for European traders to navigate local customs and power structures carefully to maintain their trading rights and avoid conflict.