European competition for the Mauritanian coast during the period from the 15th to the 18th century (an analysis of the course and results)

Abstract

This article aims to raise an important topic in modern Mauritanian history, namely European competition over the Mauritanian coasts during the period from the 15th to the 18th centuries AD, by examining the historical course of this phenomenon and its political and economic effects on the Mauritanian territory. The Mauritanian territory witnessed a European presence since the end of the first half of the 15th century AD, that is, since the beginning of European geographical discoveries. The first European powers to become acquainted with the Mauritanian territory were represented by the Spanish Kingdom and the Portuguese Kingdom. Then the Portuguese Kingdom became more present than the others. During the 17th and 18th centuries AD, the Mauritanian coasts were about to enter a crucial period in their history known as European competition over the West African coasts. This stage was characterized by intense competition between the European powers (Holland, France, and Britain) to control the Saharan and Sudanese markets. These clashes were known as the Gum Wars. During this period, the Mauritanian territory witnessed many economic and political developments in which the European powers played a major role.