Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Imagine waking up one morning and realising that your community now has a new set of rulers, new laws, and new ways of doing things. That’s exactly what happened when the British took full control of Nigeria in the early 20th century. Today, we’ll talk about the early phase of British rule (1900-1914) and how they governed the people through native courts, the native authority system in the north, and the development of roads and waterways. Let’s get into it!
The Early Phase of British Rule in 1990-1914
Native Court System in the Southern Protectorate
After the British took over southern Nigeria, they needed a way to control the people. So, in 1900, they introduced the Native Court System. This system allowed local chiefs and traditional rulers to settle disputes under British supervision. The courts were set up in different towns and villages to handle cases like land disputes, theft, and family matters.
However, there was a problem—many of the native courts were corrupt. Some traditional rulers, who served as judges, used their position to favour their relatives or collect bribes. Also, because the British controlled the system, many of the decisions made in the native courts still had to follow British laws, which sometimes went against local customs. This caused conflicts between the British and the people of southern Nigeria.
Native Authority System in the North
The British ruled northern Nigeria differently. Instead of removing the traditional rulers, they introduced the Native Authority System, also known as Indirect Rule. This system allowed local rulers, especially Emirs, to keep their power but follow British orders. The Emirs collected taxes, maintained law and order, and settled disputes, while the British controlled everything from behind the scenes.
This system worked smoothly in the north because the people were already used to a centralised government under the Sokoto Caliphate. However, the British weakened the power of traditional rulers over time, especially when they refused to follow British policies.
Development of Roads, Waterways, and Other Infrastructure
To make Nigeria easier to control and improve trade, the British focused on transportation and communication. They built roads, railways, and waterways to connect different parts of the country.
Roads: The British built roads to link major towns and cities, making it easier to move goods like palm oil, cocoa, and rubber to the ports for export. However, these roads were mostly built in areas that benefited British businesses, not necessarily to improve the lives of Nigerians.
Railways: By 1912, railway lines connected Lagos to Kano and Port Harcourt to Enugu, making it easier for the British to transport goods from the interior to the coastal ports.
Waterways: The British also developed river transport, improving navigation along the Niger and Benue rivers. This helped them move goods and soldiers quickly.
Despite these developments, Nigerians were not happy because the British focused more on helping their businesses than improving the lives of the local people.
Summary
Between 1900 and 1914, the British introduced different systems to govern Nigeria. In the south, they set up the Native Court System, which allowed traditional rulers to judge cases under British supervision, though it was often corrupt. In the north, they used Indirect Rule, allowing Emirs to maintain power but under British control. The British also built roads, railways, and waterways to improve trade and transport, but these developments mainly benefited British businesses rather than Nigerians.
Evaluation
- What was the Native Court System, and why was it introduced in the Southern Protectorate?
- How did the Native Authority System (Indirect Rule) work in Northern Nigeria?
- What were some of the transport developments introduced by the British?
- Why were many Nigerians unhappy with British rule despite the improvements in infrastructure?
You are doing excellently well! Keep learning and growing—your knowledge will take you far. Stay excited for the next lesson, and remember, you are destined for greatness! Keep shining, Afrilearn superstar!
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