Back then, imported goods consisted mainly of beads, alcohol, and, most importantly, weapons, which enabled these rulers to exercise extreme violence over their people. It was a system that no doubt worked to the benefit of Africa’s partners.
在那时候，进口的货物主要是玻璃粉，酒，其中最重要的要数武器，因为统治者需要用它来对民众实施极端暴力统治。虽然整个贸易系统无疑都是为西方列强的利益服务的，但没有了非洲统治精英的大力配合，这个系统是不可能存在的。