History - Junior Secondary 3 - Trade routes and effects of the legitimate trade

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 1 and 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  Trade routes and effects of the legitimate trade

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

1. ) Discuss each of the trade routes in the Legitimate trade
2. ) Enumerate the effects 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

The trade routes of the legitimate trade, particularly concerning the palm oil trade, were crucial for connecting West African producers with European markets. These routes evolved significantly after the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and were instrumental in shaping economic relationships between Africa and Europe. Here’s an overview of the primary trade routes associated with the legitimate trade:

1. Coastal Trade Routes

• West African Coast:
• The palm oil trade primarily took place along the West African coastline, where palm oil was harvested and processed before being exported.
• Major ports such as Lagos, Calabar, Port Harcourt, and Benin served as key trading hubs where palm oil was shipped to Europe and other markets.
• Trade Cities:
• Coastal cities became centers for the storage and shipment of palm oil. The establishment of trading posts and factories by European merchants facilitated the trade and distribution of goods.

2. River Trade Routes

• Niger River:
• The Niger River was one of the most significant inland waterways, providing access to the interior regions of Nigeria and facilitating the transportation of palm oil and other goods to coastal ports.
• Trade routes along the Niger River allowed local producers to transport palm oil from inland regions to ports for export.
• Cross-River and Calabar River:
• These rivers also played a vital role in transporting palm oil from the eastern regions of Nigeria to coastal markets.
• The use of canoes and barges was common for transporting goods along these rivers.

3. Land Trade Routes

• Inland Trade Routes:
• The legitimate trade also included overland trade routes that connected various regions of West Africa. These routes facilitated the exchange of goods between local communities and traders.
• Caravans would transport palm oil and other commodities to coastal ports, where they could be shipped to Europe.
• Trade Links to Neighboring Regions:
• The palm oil trade established connections between West Africa and neighboring regions, including the Sahel and Central Africa. These routes allowed for the exchange of various goods, including textiles, food items, and manufactured goods.

4. Trans-Atlantic Trade Routes

• European Trade Networks:
• Once the palm oil reached European ports, it was integrated into the broader transatlantic trade network, where it was exchanged for manufactured goods, which were then sent back to Africa.
• Major European ports involved in the palm oil trade included Liverpool, London, and Antwerp, which served as key distribution points for goods sent to Africa.

5. Emergence of New Trade Routes

• Diversification of Trade:
• As the palm oil trade expanded, new trade routes emerged, diversifying the commodities exchanged. Alongside palm oil, products like rubber, cocoa, and groundnuts began to flow from West Africa to international markets.
• This diversification created a network of trade routes that included not only palm oil but also other cash crops, further integrating West African economies into the global market.

EVALUATION:

1. What were the primary trade routes used in the palm oil trade, and how did they connect West Africa to European markets?
2. How did the geographical features of West Africa influence the development of trade routes during the legitimate trade?
3. What role did coastal ports play in the trade routes of the legitimate trade, and how did they facilitate the export of palm oil?
4. Describe the impact of the legitimate trade routes on local communities and their economies.
5. In what ways did the establishment of trade routes during the legitimate trade compare to those used during the transatlantic slave trade?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 2

NOTE

EFFECTS OF THE LEGITIMATE TRADE

Economic Effects

• Economic Diversification:
• The legitimate trade marked a shift from an economy primarily reliant on the slave trade to one focused on agricultural and cash crop production. This diversification helped to stabilize local economies.
• Growth of New Industries:
• The demand for palm oil led to the growth of processing industries in West Africa, creating jobs and contributing to local economies. Other industries, such as rubber and cocoa production, also began to flourish alongside palm oil.
• Increased Trade Relations:
• The legitimate trade established new trade routes and networks, enhancing economic ties between West African communities and European markets. This interconnectivity facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.
• Rise of Export Markets:
• Palm oil became one of the primary exports from West Africa, significantly increasing revenue for local producers and traders. The increased income from exports contributed to economic growth in the region.

2. Social Effects

• Changes in Community Structures:
• The focus on cash crops like palm oil led to changes in social structures within communities. Wealth accumulation from trade sometimes resulted in social stratification, with certain individuals or families gaining prominence.
• Population Movement:
• The growth of the palm oil trade prompted migration to coastal regions, where trade activities were concentrated. This movement of people influenced social dynamics and cultural exchanges between different groups.
• Employment Opportunities:
• The palm oil trade created new job opportunities, particularly in farming, processing, and trade. This shift contributed to a growing labor force engaged in legitimate economic activities.

3. Political Effects

• Emergence of New Political Dynamics:
• The wealth generated from the legitimate trade sometimes led to the rise of powerful local leaders and merchants who gained influence in their communities, altering traditional power dynamics.
• European Influence and Interference:
• As European merchants sought to control palm oil production and trade, their influence often extended into local politics, leading to conflicts and negotiations over trade agreements and land use.
• Formation of New Alliances:
• The legitimate trade encouraged the formation of alliances among different ethnic groups and communities to strengthen their bargaining power in trade negotiations with Europeans.

4. Cultural Effects

• Cultural Exchange:
• Increased interactions between West African communities and European traders facilitated cultural exchanges, influencing local customs, languages, and lifestyles.
• Impact on Traditional Practices:
• The focus on cash crops and trade sometimes led to shifts in traditional agricultural practices and social norms, as communities adapted to new economic realities.
• Promotion of Education and Knowledge:
• The presence of European traders and missionaries introduced Western education and ideas, leading to the establishment of schools and the spread of literacy among some communities.

5. Environmental Effects

• Changes in Land Use:
• The shift towards palm oil production often led to deforestation and changes in land use patterns, impacting local ecosystems and traditional farming practices.
• Resource Depletion:
• The intensive cultivation of palm oil and other cash crops sometimes resulted in soil degradation and depletion of natural resources, posing challenges for sustainable agriculture in the long term.

EVALUATION:

1. How did the legitimate trade in palm oil affect the local economies of West African communities?
2. What social changes occurred in West African societies as a result of the legitimate trade?
3. Discuss the political implications of the legitimate trade on the power dynamics within West African communities.
4. What cultural exchanges occurred as a result of the legitimate trade, and how did they influence local customs and practices?
5. In what ways did the legitimate trade impact the environment and agricultural practices in West Africa?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively