Colonial Nigeria

Flashcards about Colonial Nigeria and the dynamics and evolution of Nigeria as a political unit

Impact of British colonization

British colonization brought about significant changes to Nigeria's political, economic, and social systems.

Administrative Changes

The adoption of British administrative rules and practices supplanted customary governance structures and norms.

Western Education

British colonization led to the spread of Christianity and the English language.

Cash Crop Economy

A cash crop economy emerged, with crops like rubber, cocoa, and palm oil being exported to Britain.

Infrastructure Development

Railroads and roads were constructed to facilitate the export of Nigeria's natural resources.

Economic Exploitation

Economic exploitation and underdevelopment resulted from British colonial policies aimed at enriching Britain.

Cultural Impact

British colonization led to a decline of some cultural values and the dissemination of Western ideals.

Religious Conversion

British Missionaries presented Christianity, leading to changes in traditional religious practices and beliefs.

Emergence of Educated Elites

A new set of educated elites emerged as a result of Western education.

Movements of Resistance

Natives used various tactics to oppose British colonialism.

Nationalist Leaders

Nationalist leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa led the resistance to British colonial control.

Portuguese Arrival

The first Europeans to reach Nigeria were the Portuguese, arriving in the Bini Kingdom.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The tragic route that connected the British and Nigeria was the transatlantic slave trade.

Abolition of Slave Trade

The British outlawed the transatlantic slave trade at the beginning of the 19th century.

"Gun-boat" Politics

After the slave trade, Europeans sought closer involvement in African state issues through "Gun-boat" politics.

British Conquest

The British formally conquered Nigeria's land, establishing Lagos as a colony in 1861.

Resistance Leaders

Native leaders like Attahiru of Sokoto, Jaja of Opobo, Nana of Itsekiri, and Ovonramwen of Benin resisted British rule.

Amalgamation Concerns

The amalgamation of Nigeria raises questions about the coexistence of diverse populations and the goals of British policy.

Polarizing Policies

British colonial policies in Nigeria tended to be isolationist and polarizing, keeping the peoples of the protectorates apart.

Federation of Provinces

Nigeria continued to function as a federation of two groupings of provinces after the union in 1914 until 1939.

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