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Colonialism in Nigeria

Colonialism in Nigeria. By Victoria Collins. Nigeria. Nigeria is on the West African Coast It’s Capital is Abuja Two major rivers flow through it: the Niger and the Benue The Europeans wanted it for it’s natural resources and land opportunities. Nigeria’s Previous History.

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Colonialism in Nigeria

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  1. Colonialism in Nigeria By Victoria Collins

  2. Nigeria • Nigeria is on the West African Coast • It’s Capital is Abuja • Two major rivers flow through it: the Niger and the Benue • The Europeans wanted it for it’s natural resources and land opportunities

  3. Nigeria’s Previous History • Before about the 8th century AD, Nigeria no real centralized government • In about the 11th century, the Muslim Kanem-Bornu empire expanded into Nigeria • Nigeria was divided into several different states, with a different rule in each, underneath Kanem-Bornu • In the late 1400’s, the Portuguese became the first Europeans to visit Nigeria, followed by British, French, and Dutch traders.

  4. The Beginning of Colonialism • The British did not occupy Nigeria until 1885 • In the following years, they established their rule both by signing treaties and by using force • There was pressure for Great Britain to gain colonies to compete with powers like France and Germany. • In 1900 the Royal Niger Company’s charter was revoked and British forces began to conquer the north • By 1906, Great Britain ruled all of Nigeria

  5. “Indirect Rule” • Nigeria was split into the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria; In 1914, these regions were combined and the Protectorate of Nigeria was established • The British method of “indirect ruling” put some natives in charge of others, regardless of social standing • This sometimes promoted people from arguing clans or villages over the other, resulting in conflict • When this happened, these people were replaced with British Officers

  6. “Indirect Rule” • This caused frustration, because people felt their voices were being ignored • Riots were frequent • On top of this, villagers in South Eastern Nigeria suffered from oil spills (because of European oil drilling) and high imposed taxes • Riots ensued, and caused the resign of several officers and the lowering of taxes

  7. Methods • The British used education to further dominate Nigerians • This method was supported by Christianity and helped its spread • The Church Missionary Society (CMS) and the Methodist Missionary Society were some of the first schools • They translated the bible to different languages, including Yoruba, Efik, Nupe, and Ibo.

  8. Education • British Officials chose what parts of Christianity were taught, because some educators preached about equality • Officials were afraid this would lead to altered perspectives on race and class distinction • Schools and classes were in English, to teach the natives “proper” thinking

  9. Religion • The British were trying to introduce Christianity into a culture with almost 500 years of Islam • These contrasting views led to skirmishes and small riots over religion

  10. Pacification of the North • To solve the religious issue, in 1903 an 800 mile military campaign was launched • It was described as the “Pacification of the North” • Force was used to assert Christianity • This led to the development of many Muslim radical movements, such as the Mahdists, whose goal was to “cleanse” the land of the British

  11. Independence • On October 1, 1960, Nigeria officially became an independent nation • Although it was independent, it still relied heavily on British influence • The Queen of England was temporarily accepted as the Head of State • In 1967, the Igbo seceded from Nigeria, rebelling against social and economical inequality • They created the new nation “Biafra” • War broke out, and finally in 1970, Biafra capitulated

  12. Nigeria Today • Nigerian economy quickly advanced from the profit of petroleum oil • However, uneven distribution of wealth and government corruption caused substantial problems • Since its independence, presidents have been elected and overthrown, and there have been frequent coups (some failing, some succeeding) • In the early 2000’s, the government took a more forceful approach to corruption • Although it was some-what affective, government corruption is still a problem • The current President of Nigeria is Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan

  13. Resources • The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia • http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860005.html • Nnamdi Ihuegbu • http://www.southernct.edu/organizations/hcr/2002/nonfiction/colonialism.htm • Angie J. (slideshare) • http://www.slideshare.net/guest10c6078/colonialism-nigeria-by-angie-j-1332954

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