Christiansborg on the Gold Coast: Analysis of Danish Fort Diplomacy in West Africa, 1694-1735

Abstract

This thesis concerns the Danish slave fort Christiansborg in the early 18th century, and is primarily oriented towards the different means in which the administration attempted to maintain amicable relationships with local African states. Long-term diplomatic relations are the primary focus, although certain crises and incidents of the time period are also discussed. The thesis discusses and analyses these diplomatic methods or tools thematically and within the larger context Christiansborg and its administration found themselves in. The diplomatic methods are divided into three broad categories of economic, social and military methods. These diplomatic methods are then viewed and discussed through the actions of some select governors as well as comparatively with other European slave trading forts.