Describe the broader historical situation in Africa at the time that Jean Barbot wrote his book. b) Explain ONE way in which the passage illustrates the continuing development of the Atlantic in the seventeenth century. c) Explain ONE way in which Barbot's background might have influenced his comments about the Dutch and the Portuguese in the second paragraph.

This question refers to the text "Jean Barbot, French Protestant and agent of the chartered Senegal Company (Compagnie du Sénégal), book describing his travels in West Africa, written circa 1682." In this text, Jean Barbot gives us some insight into how trading in West Africa operated during this time period.

A) In the 17th century, Africa was being explored and colonized by various European powers, such as the French, the Portuguese and the Dutch. In these early years of colonialism, these powers fought for dominance in Africa, and borders and areas of control changed frequently.

B) In the text, Barbot shows how the development of the Atlantic in this century was constant. We learn about elaborate constructions that the European colonists established along the Atlantic Coast of Africa. We also learn about the importance of trade in this region and of the competition between different European powers.

C) According to this passage, Jean Barbot was a French Protestant and agent of the chartered Senegal Company. Barbot seems incline to speak well of the Dutch, and negatively of the Portuguese. It is possible that this is a consequence of him sharing Protestantism with them, as opposed to Portuguese Catholics.