Battle of Atakpamé facts for kids

The Battle of Atakpamé happened in 1764. It was a big fight between the powerful Ashanti Empire and a group of its neighbors. These neighbors included the Akyem kingdom, the Oyo Empire, and the Kingdom of Dahomey. The battle took place near Atakpamé in what is now the country of Togo. This battle was a major defeat for the Ashanti.

Why the Battle Happened

The Ashanti Empire's Troubles

In the 1700s, the Ashanti Empire was very strong. But it faced many rebellions from the lands it had conquered. The Ashanti allowed local rulers to keep some power. In return, these rulers had to pay taxes and send soldiers when asked.

The leader of the Ashanti at this time was Kusi Oboadum. He became king in 1750. During his rule, some southern states started to cause trouble. These included Denkyira, Wassa, Twifo, and Akyem. They became openly unfriendly. They even threatened the Ashanti's trade routes to the coast. This was a big problem for the Ashanti. They needed these routes to get firearms and other goods.

Akyem's Plan for Rebellion

In 1763, the Akyem kingdom was under Ashanti rule. Its king, Pobi Asomaning II, started making plans. He secretly contacted the Kingdom of Dahomey. He wanted to rebel against the Ashanti. Other groups, like the Kwahu and Brong, also joined his plan.

Meanwhile, a powerful Ashanti military leader named Adu Gyamera pushed for war. He even threatened to remove King Kusi Oboadum from power. But the Ashanti king did not order an invasion right away. He waited until he learned that Akyem had asked the Oyo Empire for help. This news finally made him decide to send his army.

The Battle of Atakpamé

Ashanti Army Marches Out

Around 1764, the Ashanti army began its march. Their goal was to invade Dahomey. We don't know exactly how many soldiers were on each side. But historians are sure about one thing. The Ashanti army was caught in a surprise attack. This ambush happened in or near Atakpamé.

The Ambush and Retreat

A combined force waited for them. This force included soldiers from Dahomey. It also had the kingdom's special female soldiers, called the Ahosi. On top of that, there were soldiers from the Oyo Empire. These allied forces managed to stop the Ashanti army.

During the intense fighting, an important Ashanti leader was killed. This was the Juabenhene, who was the head of the royal Oyoko clan. The Ashanti army could not reach Dahomey. They were forced to turn back and retreat.

What Happened After the Battle

Impact on the Ashanti Empire

News of the Ashanti's big defeat quickly spread. European traders heard about how the allied forces had won. This battle had major effects. The Ashanti king, Kusi Oboadum, was not popular. After this loss, he was removed from power. A younger leader, Osei Kwadwo, took his place.

After Atakpamé, there were fewer big fights between the Ashanti and Dahomey. Peace became more common between them. This battle also made the Ashanti leaders think differently. They decided to focus their efforts closer to home. They stopped trying to expand too much and spread their forces too thin.

See also

• History of Togo
• Ashanti Empire
• Kingdom of Dahomey
• Oyo Empire