European nations benefited from african colonies’ labor and resources. industries and artisans. established trade routes. well-trained military.

Although norther Africa was well known to Europeans from ancient times, especially Egypt, it was not until much later that the two continents came into deeper contact. In the 15th century, during the Age of Discovery, the Portuguese, whose leader was Henry the Navigator, in an attempt to re-establish commerce with the East by foregoing land travel through Muslim-controlled lands, set out to sea and in 1488 reached the Cape of Good Hope, under the leadership of Bartolomey Dias. However, throughout most of the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Europe became more interested in the Americas and their colonies there, than in further exploring the African continent. It was mostly Muslims who began to explore these unknown lands, especially the sub-Saharan region. But in the 19th century, this changed and Europe became aware of two things: Africa´s potential for labor and its vast mineral resources. As soon as the slave trade was established, and when the richness of the sub-Saharan region, was known, Europe rushed forth to capitalize on these labor and resources and settled new colonies in Africa.

labor and resources.

the correct answer can either be a or b because it could be both but you should probally choose b

what are the statements?