9. The Kingdom of Kongo
The Kingdom of Kongo’s decline was influenced by exposure to European influences and the adoption of lavish lifestyles, leading to internal conflict and eventual fragmentation. Initially, the Kongo elite embraced European goods and Christianity, enhancing their status and courtly life. However, this indulgence strained resources and created social disparities. The Portuguese intensified the transatlantic slave trade, pressuring Kongo rulers to supply captives, which destabilized the kingdom. Internal power struggles, notably the Kongo Civil War (1665-1709), further fragmented the state, making it susceptible to external domination. (britannica.com)
