The arrival of the Portuguese on the West African coast in the 15th century marked the beginning of European influence in the region. Their primary interest was in
- Establishing colonies
- Converting the local population to Christianity
-
Engaging in the trans-Atlantic slave trade
- Trading gold and spices
The correct answer is: C
Explanation
The primary interest of the Portuguese upon arriving on the West African coast in the 15th century was engaging in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This marked the beginning of a dark period in history where Africans were forcibly taken as slaves to the Americas.