History - Junior Secondary 3 - Origin and nature of the legitimate trade

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 11 and 12

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  Origin and nature of the legitimate trade

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Discuss the origin and nature of the legitimate trade

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 3 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 11

NOTE

Origin of the Legitimate Trade (Palm Oil Trade)

The legitimate trade refers to the trade that emerged in West Africa in the 19th century following the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The palm oil trade became one of the most significant aspects of this legitimate trade, particularly in the regions of present-day Nigeria, Ghana, and other parts of West Africa.

1. Historical Context:
   • The abolition of the slave trade in the early 19th century forced European traders and colonial powers to seek alternative sources of income and goods from Africa. The end of slavery led to a shift in focus from human cargo to natural resources.
2. Palm Oil Significance:
   • Palm oil, derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis), became a highly sought-after commodity in Europe and North America. Its properties made it ideal for various uses, including:
     • Industrial Uses: Palm oil was used in the production of soap, candles, and lubricants, as well as in the burgeoning industrial sector during the Industrial Revolution.
     • Culinary Uses: It became a popular cooking oil in many parts of the world.

3. Growth of Palm Oil Production:
   • The demand for palm oil led to increased cultivation of oil palm plantations in West Africa. Indigenous communities began to produce palm oil in larger quantities to meet the demands of European traders, often adapting their agricultural practices.
   • Local economies began to shift, focusing more on cash crops like palm oil rather than subsistence agriculture.
4. Trade Dynamics:
   • European trading companies established trade relationships with local chiefs and communities, leading to new trade networks and the integration of West African economies into the global market.
   • The palm oil trade allowed for the exchange of European manufactured goods, such as textiles, tools, and weapons, which were traded for palm oil and other local resources.
5. Colonial Influence:
   • As the trade expanded, European colonial powers increasingly involved themselves in the management and control of palm oil production and trade, often leading to conflicts over land and resources with local populations.

EVALUATION:

1. What were the main factors that led to the emergence of legitimate trade in palm oil after the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade?
2. How did European demand for palm oil influence its production and trade in West Africa?
3. In what ways did the transition from the slave trade to legitimate trade impact local economies in West Africa?
4. Discuss the role of local producers in the development of the palm oil trade during the legitimate trade period.
5. How did the geographical location of West Africa facilitate the growth of the palm oil trade?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 12

NOTE

Nature of the Legitimate Trade (Palm Oil Trade)

The nature of the legitimate trade, particularly in palm oil, is characterized by several key features:

1. Economic Structure:
   • The palm oil trade established a cash-based economy in many West African communities, which had previously relied on subsistence farming and local barter systems.
   • The influx of European goods and capital stimulated local economies but also made them vulnerable to fluctuations in global demand.
2. Trade Networks:
   • The trade involved complex networks of local producers, traders, and European merchants. Local intermediaries often played a crucial role in facilitating trade, connecting producers with European markets.
3. Cultural Interactions:
   • The palm oil trade led to significant cultural exchanges between Europeans and West Africans. European merchants brought new technologies, agricultural practices, and goods, while West Africans influenced European culinary and industrial practices through the introduction of palm oil.
4. Labor Dynamics:
   • The labor force for palm oil production often included both free labor and coerced labor, as local leaders sometimes exploited traditional labor practices to increase production. This exploitation mirrored some aspects of the earlier slave trade, though in a different form.
5. Environmental Impact:
   • The focus on palm oil production led to deforestation and changes in land use, as large areas were cleared for oil palm plantations. This had long-term environmental consequences, affecting biodiversity and local ecosystems.

EVALUATION:

1. Describe the primary characteristics of the legitimate trade in palm oil compared to the transatlantic slave trade.
2. What commodities, in addition to palm oil, were commonly traded during the legitimate trade period, and how did they affect local economies?
3. How did European trading companies influence the nature of the palm oil trade in West Africa?
4. In what ways did the legitimate trade contribute to the establishment of new trading networks and relationships in West Africa?
5. Discuss the significance of palm oil as a commodity in international trade during the legitimate trade era.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively