AP World History Practice Exam 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The Royal African Company was established in the late 17th century, specifically in 1660, to conduct trade along the west coast of Africa. This company was primarily founded to exploit the region's resources, particularly in the slave trade, as it sought to control the lucrative trade routes and markets in West Africa. The Royal African Company played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, facilitating the transport of enslaved Africans to the Americas.

This company focused specifically on the African coast rather than the regions covered by the other options. The British East India Company, for instance, was established to oversee and expand British trade in India and Southeast Asia, while the French West India Company was mainly involved in trade within the Caribbean. The South African Trading Corporation, while it may imply a focus on trade in southern Africa, did not have the same historical significance or primacy in West African trade as the Royal African Company. Thus, the emphasis on this company's operations along the west coast makes it the correct choice for the question.