By providing firearms amongst the trade goods, Europeans increased warfare and political instability in West Africa. Some states, such as Asante and Dahomey, grew powerful and wealthy. Other states were completely destroyed and their populations decreased as they were absorbed by rivals. Millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homes, and towns and villages were depopulated. Many Africans were killed in slaving wars or remained enslaved in Africa. The people in west africa suffered deeply and continued to be at a vast disadvantage compared to those who promoted the trade against them.
