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…

Note: The marked answer may not reflect the 15th century accurately. Initially, Portuguese interest focused on gold trade and finding a route to Asia. The trans-Atlantic slave trade became massive later, especially from the 16th-19th centuries.

Gold and spices were actually primary interests initially. Colonization came gradually over time. Christianity was important but secondary to economic goals in the 1400s.

Portuguese priorities evolved over centuries. Gold came first, then slaves became the tragic focus of European trade.