The politics of commercial transition: factional conflict in Dahomey in the context of the ending of the Atlantic slave trade

Law, Robin

article

The politics of commercial transition: factional conflict in Dahomey in the context of the ending of the Atlantic slave trade

journal of African history • 38 (2) • Published In 1997 • Pages: 213-233

By: Law, Robin.

Abstract
This article examines the background and significance of the royal succession crisis that occurred in Dahomey in 1858. It places the crisis in the wider context of widening divisions among members of the traditional political elite over two culturally and economically important issues. One involved heated controversies over the custom of sacrificing captured humans on the coronation and anniversary of kings. The other related to disagreements within the Dahomian ruling élite about how to respond to the decline of the Atlantic slave trade. Conservative elites wished for the continuity of both human sacrifice and slavery, claimed that discontinuing them would led to the demilitarization of Dahomey society. By contrast, progressive elites organizing themselves around the designated heir apparent Badahun (Glele) who sought to promote the legitimate trade of exporting palm oil as a substitute for slaves. The encirclement of the kingdom by British and French colonial forces led to the resolution of this controversy in favor of progressive elites.

Chief executive

Form and rules of government

Status, role, and prestige

Administrative agencies

Acculturation and culture contact

Inheritance

Political movements

Political parties