The Dahomey Empire, located in present-day Benin, fell due to a combination of factors, including:
- French Colonial Expansion: In the late 19th century, France aggressively expanded its colonial presence in West Africa. The Dahomey Empire, despite its military prowess, was no match for the superior firepower and resources of the French.
- Internal Resistance: Dahomey faced internal opposition from various groups, including those opposed to the King's policies and the slave trade. This internal strife weakened the empire's ability to resist French encroachment.
- Economic Decline: The abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, a significant source of revenue for Dahomey, severely impacted its economy. This financial instability further weakened the empire's ability to defend itself.
Ultimately, in 1894, the Dahomey Empire was conquered by the French, and its territory was incorporated into the French colonial empire. The empire's fall marked the end of its independent existence and the beginning of a new era under French rule.
