Back to: History Primary 5
Hello there, my brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you are having a fantastic day. Today, we will be talking about something very important in Nigerian history—how the southern part of our country was conquered by two powerful brothers. Get ready, because this is a story filled with warriors, kings, and a big struggle for control. Let’s get started!
1880 – 1905: Southern Nigeria Conquered by the Brothers
Have you ever played a game where one team tries to take over the other’s territory? Imagine that happening in real life, not just for fun, but for power and control. That’s exactly what happened in Southern Nigeria between 1880 and 1905. The British wanted to take over, and two brothers—Sir George Goldie and Sir Frederick Lugard—played a major role in making that happen.
Before this time, the people of Southern Nigeria had their own kingdoms, cultures, and ways of life. They traded with the Europeans but ruled themselves. However, the British wanted full control, and they didn’t ask nicely—they used force. Let’s see how this happened.
Southern Nigeria was made up of powerful kingdoms like the Benin Kingdom, the Oyo Empire, the Igbo communities, and the Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Efik traders. These groups were doing well, trading palm oil, kola nuts, and textiles with the Europeans. But the British wanted more than just trade—they wanted to rule.
In the late 19th century, Sir George Goldie, a British businessman, played a key role in taking control of the Niger River, which was an important route for trade. He used treaties (agreements) and force to take over local businesses, leaving Nigerian traders with little power.
Later, Sir Frederick Lugard, a British military officer, continued the mission. He used soldiers to fight and defeat several kingdoms. One of the most famous battles was in 1897 when the British attacked the Benin Kingdom, burned down the city, and sent the Oba (king) into exile. The British also fought against the Aro people in 1901–1902 because they resisted British rule.
By 1905, the British had conquered most of Southern Nigeria. In 1914, they joined Northern and Southern Nigeria together under one government, making it the Nigeria we know today.
Clear and Relatable Examples:
Imagine if a new head teacher came to your school and said, “From now on, I will change all the rules, and you must listen to me.” That’s how it felt for the Nigerian kingdoms when the British took over. They had their own way of doing things, but the British forced them to follow their rules instead.
Another example is if your family runs a shop, and suddenly, a bigger company comes in, takes over, and leaves you with nothing. That’s what happened to many Nigerian traders when George Goldie controlled trade along the Niger River.
Conclusion:
Between 1880 and 1905, Southern Nigeria was forcefully taken over by the British, with Sir George Goldie and Sir Frederick Lugard leading the way. They used agreements, force, and military attacks to defeat powerful Nigerian kingdoms. By 1905, most of Southern Nigeria was under British control, leading to major changes in our history.
Evaluation:
- Who were the two brothers that played a role in conquering Southern Nigeria?
- What year did the British attack the Benin Kingdom?
- Name two kingdoms or groups that resisted British rule.
- What was one major reason the British wanted to control Southern Nigeria?
You are doing an amazing job learning about your history! Understanding the past helps us make sense of the present and prepare for the future. Keep up the great work, and I can’t wait to see you in the next lesson! Keep shining, Afrilearn superstar!
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