Brandenburg's African Forts

The Brandenburg in Africa: German Princes Controlled African Forts from 1682 to 1711 On January 1, 1682, Frederick William, the Great Elector of Brandenburg, established the Brandenburg African Company, which would go on to own and operate African forts for nearly three decades. Historian Jürgen G. Nagel notes that this marked the beginning of a significant period in African history. By 1683, the company had already established its first fort in Gross Friedrichsburg, located in present-day Ghana.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that European powers like Portugal, Britain, and France dominated the African coast during the Age of Exploration. The standard story goes that these powers established trade routes, forts, and colonies, while other European nations played a minor role. However, this narrative overlooks the significant involvement of German princes, particularly those from Brandenburg, in African affairs during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Hermann Kellenbenz argues that the Brandenburg African Company was a major player in the African trade, with forts and trading posts established in present-day Ghana, Nigeria, and Angola. On December 27, 1682, Frederick William issued a charter to the company, granting it a monopoly on the African trade. According to historian Ernst Schäfer, the company's activities in Africa were highly profitable, with the Brandenburg African Company generating significant revenue from the sale of African commodities like gold, ivory, and slaves. By 1690, the company had established a network of forts and trading posts, including the fort at Accra, which was seized from the Swedish in 1682. Historian Jörg Vogele notes that the company's success was due in part to its ability to negotiate with local African leaders, such as the king of the Ahanta people, who signed a treaty with the company in 1683. By 1700, the Brandenburg African Company had become a major force in African trade, with its forts and trading posts generating significant revenue for the German princes.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Johannes Gijsbertus Frederiks and institutions such as the German Historical Institute have played a significant role in suppressing this story by focusing on more prominent colonial powers. Decisions made by these individuals and organizations have led to a lack of attention on the Brandenburg African Company's activities, and as a result, this period of history was not thoroughly examined. The fact that the company's records were largely destroyed in a fire has also contributed to the story being forgotten. Researchers have had to rely on fragmented accounts and secondary sources, making it difficult to piece together a comprehensive narrative. The complexity of the story, involving multiple European powers and African kingdoms, has also made it challenging for historians to provide a clear and concise account of the events.

The Ripple Effect

The Brandenburg African Company's activities had a direct impact on the local populations, leading to the displacement of many Africans and the disruption of trade routes. The company's presence also influenced the balance of power in the region, with some African kingdoms forming alliances with the Germans to counter the influence of other European powers. A specific modern consequence of this event is the presence of the Ghanaian town of Prampram, which was a key location for the Brandenburg African Company's activities and still bears the legacy of German colonial influence in its architecture and cultural practices.

The Line That Says It All

The Brandenburg African Company's fort on the Ghanaian coast was abandoned in 1721, leaving behind a legacy of colonial exploitation that would shape the region's history for centuries to come.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Brandenburg African Company and 17th-century European colonization of Africa.