Imperialism in Nigeria

By: Lorae Bonamy

Initial OccupationHuman life in Nigeria is evident all the way back to 9000 bc. Many kingdoms and dominions existed in Nigeria before the British came and took control. The British came to stop the slave trade between the Sokoto-Jihad and the Yoruba tribes. Initially, slaves were traded for goods such as gunpowder and guns, the British came in and decided to trade palm oil instead of slaves. Later though, people realized that slaves were still necessary to the trading of palm oil, and many tribal wars began consequently.

Flag of NigeriaThe sea-green bands of the flag represent forests and natural wealth, the white band represents peace.

Benefits to Imperial PowerBy taking over Nigeria, imperialists gained markets for their manufactured goods. They also gained the exploitation of raw minerals, materials, and food. The initial reason for going into Nigeria was goods. Over time, people were converted, territory was claimed, and culture was changed. All of these things the British gained by going into Nigeria.

Treatment of Indigenous PeopleIndigenous people were slaves. Nobody thought highly of them, they were seen as less than. They were traded for the price of adulterated liquor and stuffed in the bottom of cargo ships. They were stripped of everything including self worth and any remaining shreds of dignity. This is what the British felt about them.

Timeline • 1851 The British burn Lagos and drive out slavers.• 1885 British Protectorate is established over the Coast of

the Niger Districts.• 1914 North and South are united to create Nigeria with

Lagos as the capitol.• Between 1898 and 1945 there are a series of uprisings

against British rule and poor living/working conditions. One of the most famous was the Aba Riot (Women’s War) of 1929 protest against British taxation.

• 1963- Independence from Great Britain.• 1967-70 The Biafran War. Biafra tried unsuccessfully to

secede from Nigeria.

Before Imperialism

During Imperialism

After Imperialism

Biafran WarThe Biafran War, also known as the Nigerian Civil war was a political conflict caused by the attempted seccession of the southeastern provinces of Nigeria as the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra. The conflict was the result of economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tensions among the various peoples of Nigeria.

Indigenous Perspectives

The people of Nigeria did not want the British there at all. The British transformed their entire culture because of their greed. Nigerians wanted nothing to do with the British and because of this they started wars, and they migrated to different cultures. 

Sani AbachaGeneral Sani Abacha was the military dictator of Nigeria from 17 November 1993 to 8 June 1998. His goal was to bring civilian rule to Nigeria. His motives were doubted because he didn't come about until after eleven years  of uninterrupted military rule.  He owned 3 billion dollars worth of foreign assets.

Resistance & Independence MovementsAfter the British took over Nigeria, they faced many revolts and uproars in resistance to their penetration. Both the Yoruba and Igbo tribes started wars against the British. The muslims migrated away from the infidels, and the Ekumeku used non official wars to attack the British. 

BenefitsAlong with Imperialism came many new things in Nigeria, they may seem good but they disrupted the culture that was in place so it cannot be determined whether or not these things are beneficial. Nigeria now had Western Education, Christianity, the English Language, new forms of money, new transportation methods and communication.

Cultural ImperialismSixty percent of the people in Nigeria are now Christian as opposed to their previously Islamic beliefs.Tribes were also separated by the Europeans and this made borders. The national language changed to English due to British European reform. 

Consequences on Imperial PowerBritain had a lot of money when they took over Nigeria, they took over to gain more money. They in fact got what they wanted and the consequences were mainly 

Consequences on Occupied RegionThe British influenced Nigeria so much that the impact will seemingly be seen forever. Nigeria still uses a military style of government, learned from the British, and English is a major component in their language of Pidgin. It is widely believed that all turmoil in Nigeria today can be contributed to the British. 

Compensation

Britain pays for many things in Nigeria today such as jails and schools.

BibliographyReferences

British Imperialism and its Influence. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/ article/ 1364260/ british_imperialism_and_its_influence_pg2.html?cat=37[British Imperialist Man] [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.internationalist.org/ maumaurebels.jpgEarly Nigerian Cultures. (n.d.). Nigeria. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from Encyclopedia Britannica database.

Bibliography

Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria. (n.d.). Nigeria. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from Encyclopedia Britannica  database.Nigeria. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2011, from US Department of State website: http://www.state.gov/ r/ pa/ ei/ bgn/ 2836.htm[Nigeria During Imperialism] [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.zunal.com/ myaccount/ uploads/ nigeria.gif[Nigeria Post-Imperialism] [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sb.westfordk12.us/ pages/ 6mweb/ 6mss/ travelpages/ 3/ 3Tommy5/ images/ NIGERAmap.gif

Bibliography

Kingdoms and empires of precolonial Nigeria. (n.d.). Nigeria. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from Encyclopedia Britannica  database.Nigeria. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2011, from US Department of State website: http://www.state.gov/ r/ pa/ ei/ bgn/ 2836.htm[Nigeria During Imperialism] [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.zunal.com/ myaccount/ uploads/ nigeria.gif[Nigeria Post-Imperialism] [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sb.westfordk12.us/ pages/ 6mweb/ 6mss/ travelpages/ 3/ 3Tommy5/ images/ NIGERAmap.gif