Back to: History JSS 3
Welcome to class!
Hello, my amazing JSS 3 student! Welcome back to history class. Today, we’re going to examine the process by which the British gradually gained control over the territories that make up modern-day Nigeria. It wasn’t a single event, but a series of actions that unfolded over time.
How the British Conquered Nigeria Territories
The British conquest of Nigerian territories was a complex process involving a combination of trade, diplomacy, and military force. It wasn’t a straightforward takeover; it involved negotiations, agreements (often unequal), and sometimes outright battles.
Initially, British involvement in Nigeria was primarily focused on trade, particularly the slave trade and later, trade in palm oil. British merchants established trading posts along the coast, and gradually, their influence expanded inland.
Treaties played a significant role in British expansion. British officials signed treaties with various local rulers and communities. These treaties often granted the British trading rights, access to resources, and sometimes even political control over certain areas. However, it’s important to remember that these treaties were often negotiated from a position of power, and local rulers might not have fully understood the implications of the agreements they were signing.
The Royal Niger Company was instrumental in extending British influence.6 As we discussed earlier, this company was granted a charter by the British government, giving it control over vast territories in the Niger River basin.7 The company acted like a government in these areas, establishing trading posts, administering justice, and signing treaties with local communities.
In some cases, military force was used to subdue local resistance and establish British control. The British military was often better equipped and organized than local forces, giving them a significant advantage. There were several instances of armed conflict between the British and various Nigerian communities who resisted British encroachment.
The conquest of Lagos in 1851 is a significant example of British military intervention. The British bombarded Lagos and deposed the Oba, installing a more favorable ruler.10 This marked a significant step in British control over the region.
The British also used a strategy of “divide and rule”. They often exploited existing rivalries between different ethnic groups and communities, playing them against each other to weaken resistance to British rule. This strategy made it easier for the British to establish and maintain their control.
The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the Scramble for Africa. European powers, including Britain, carved up the continent among themselves, and Britain claimed a large portion of what would become Nigeria. This conference gave legal justification to British claims over Nigerian territories.
By the early 20th century, the British had consolidated their control over most of Nigeria, establishing the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914.13 This marked the beginning of formal British colonial rule.
It’s important to understand that the British conquest of Nigeria was not a peaceful process. It involved resistance from various Nigerian communities, and it resulted in the loss of sovereignty for many local rulers. The legacy of this period continues to shape Nigeria in many ways today.
Now, let’s test your understanding.
- Can you describe two methods used by the British to conquer Nigerian territories?
- What was the role of the Royal Niger Company and the Berlin Conference in this process?
Fantastic work! You’re doing a wonderful job exploring the history of Nigeria. Remember, understanding how the British conquered Nigerian territories is crucial for understanding the country’s colonial past and its subsequent struggle for independence. I’m excited to continue this exploration with you in our next lesson!
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