Protestant Missionaries and the British Colonization of West Africa in the Late 18th - Early 19th Centuries

Abstract

The article analyzes the reasons for the radical transformation of British policy towards West Africa, which led to the rejection of the long-standing bet on obtaining super-profits from the slave trade and the gradual formation of traditional colonial possessions in the region. The author shows the role of Protestant preachers in the formation and dissemination of concepts about the civilizing mission and the need for Christianization. The article compares the policy of Great Britain with that of other European powers, primarily France. It shows the role of British missionaries in the study of West African territories and the promotion of the European exploration of the new lands and the development of the school education system. The authors show how these efforts were connected with the goals of extracting economic benefits from the colonies. The article draws upon a variety of primary sources, as well as upon academic publications about the role of Protestant missionaries in the colonization process.