Case Study: Nigeria

Nigeria is a creation of imperialism. Named after Niger River by British journalist

Flora Shaw Encompasses 250-400 ethnic groups

Dominant groups: Yoruba in the West Hausa-Fulani in the north Igbo in the east

Dates from British conquest in 1903

Early Nigerian History Early states divided based on ethnic groups

Hausa-Fulani – strong central government Igbo – stateless society Numerous small states (not same political

structure as we recognize today) Slave trade dates back to late 1400s

30% of all slaves sent across Atlantic came from Nigeria

3.5 million Nigerian slaves sent

1807: British abolish the transatlantic slave trade

Great Britain now looks for alternative to slaves, something more “legitimate”

Royal Niger Company Gains control of the palm-oil trade along the

Niger River. Gives basis for British claims to the region Trades palm oil and palm kernels (used to

make soap and lubricants for machinery)What form of control does the Royal Niger

Company represent?

British Claim Region Instability with Yoruba civil wars British move toward colonial domination

Series of treaties with kings and chieftains Allows for armed intervention

British claims formally recognized at Berline Conference

Colonial Rule in Nigeria 1914: British claim entire area of Nigeria as a

colony Governing these divided peoples proves

difficult Different languages, culture, and religions Hausa-Fulani = Muslim, strong central government Rivalries existed (example: Hausa-Fulani and

Yoruba as traditional enemies

Which form of rule would work better in this scenario: direct or indirect control?

Indirect Rule in Nigeria Frederick Lugard as colonial administrator Transforms sphere of influence into colony Chooses indirect rule:

Not enough troops to govern that much land Complexities of local differences

Indirect rule functions well in northern Nigeria – history of strong central government

Difficult to appoint chiefs where there had not been chiefs before

Resistance occurs as well

Nigeria is a creation of imperialism. Agree or disagree with this statement. Defend your position