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The Ashanti War (1873-74) - Sharpening cutlasses at Prahsu
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The Ashanti War (1873-74) - Sharpening cutlasses at Prahsu
The British contingent at camp in Prahsu making preparations for war, sharpening cutlasses. The second Ashanti War fought between, 1873-74, was between King Kofi Karikari, ruler of the Ashanti (or Asantehene), and the British. Both were trying to secure the coastal town of Elmina on the West Coast of Africa also known as the Gold Coast
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Media ID 4397541
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1873 1874 Asantehene Ashanti Contingent El Mina Fought Karikari Kofi Preparations Ruler Secure Sharpening Cutlasses Prahsu
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures a pivotal moment during the Second Ashanti War (1873-1874), as British soldiers at their camp in Prahsu, Ghana, meticulously sharpen their cutlasses in preparation for the impending conflict. The Second Ashanti War was a significant military engagement between King Kofi Karikari, the powerful ruler of the Ashanti or Asante Empire, and the British, who were determined to secure the coastal town of Elmina on the West Coast of Africa, also known as the Gold Coast. The Ashanti Empire, renowned for its wealth and military might, had long resisted European encroachment. King Kofi Karikari, who ruled from 1867 to 1874, was no exception. He had previously engaged the British in the First Ashanti War (1824-1831), which ended in a stalemate. However, the British, eager to expand their influence and control over the lucrative gold trade, were determined to assert their dominance. In February 1873, a British expeditionary force, led by Lieutenant-General Sir Garnet Wolseley, set sail for the Gold Coast. They arrived in Prahsu, the Ashanti capital, in December 1873, and the two sides clashed in a series of fierce battles. The war ended in March 1874, with the British emerging victorious and King Kofi Karikari fleeing into exile. This photograph, taken by an ILN (Illustrated London News) photographer, provides a glimpse into the tense atmosphere at the British camp as they prepared for the war. The soldiers, with their sharpened cutlasses at the ready, embody the determination and resolve of the British forces. The image is a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the Second Ashanti War and the complex relationship between Europe and Africa during the late 19th century.
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