History - Junior Secondary 3 - British contact with Nigeria

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 3 and 4

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  British contact with Nigeria

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

1. ) Narrate British contact with Nigeria as explorers and traders

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 3

NOTE

BRITISH CONTACT WITH NIGERIA AS EXPLORERS

1. Exploration Missions:

In the 18th and 19th centuries, British explorers such as Mungo Park embarked on expeditions to map the Niger River and gain a better understanding of the geography and cultures of West Africa, including Nigeria. Their travels provided valuable information about the region’s rivers, resources, and indigenous peoples.

2. Knowledge of Local Cultures:

Explorers documented various ethnic groups, customs, and social structures within Nigeria. Their writings contributed to European knowledge about Nigerian societies, although often from a Eurocentric perspective that overlooked local nuances.

3. Scientific and Botanical Studies:

British explorers conducted scientific studies on the flora and fauna of Nigeria, noting the agricultural practices and potential economic resources. This sparked interest in Nigeria's agricultural wealth, particularly in palm oil, cotton, and other crops.

4. Mapping and Navigation:

The explorations resulted in better maps and navigation routes for future trade and colonial ventures. The knowledge gained about the Niger River and other waterways facilitated further British expansion into the interior.

5. Impact on Indigenous Societies:

The arrival of explorers often disrupted local societies, leading to the introduction of foreign diseases, changes in trade patterns, and initial contact with European ideas and technologies.

EVALUATION:

1. Who was Mungo Park, and what were the significant contributions of his explorations to British understanding of Nigeria?
2. How did the expeditions of British explorers impact the indigenous cultures and societies in Nigeria?
3. What geographical features did British explorers document during their travels in Nigeria, and how did this knowledge benefit future trade?
4. In what ways did the writings and reports of British explorers influence European perceptions of Nigeria and its peoples?
5. What were the long-term effects of British exploration on the political and economic landscape of Nigeria?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 4

NOTE

BRITISH CONTACT WITH NIGERIA AS TRADERS

1. Establishment of Trade Relations:

In the early 19th century, British traders began establishing trade routes along the coast and inland, focusing on commodities such as palm oil, ivory, and other resources. This trade network linked Nigeria with European markets and boosted local economies.

2. Commercial Companies:

British commercial companies, like the Royal Niger Company, were instrumental in regulating trade in Nigeria, negotiating treaties with local leaders, and monopolizing palm oil and other resources for export to Europe.

3. Legitimate Trade:

After the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, the focus shifted to legitimate trade. Palm oil became a significant commodity, with British traders promoting its use in the production of soap and lubricants, further entrenching economic ties with Nigeria.

4. Cultural Exchange and Influence:

The presence of British traders facilitated cultural exchanges, introducing Western goods, technologies, and ideas to Nigerian societies. This interaction had long-lasting effects on local customs, trade practices, and economic structures.

5. Colonial Expansion:

The economic interests of British traders laid the groundwork for colonial expansion in Nigeria. Increased trade led to greater political control, culminating in the establishment of British protectorates and eventual colonization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

EVALUATION:

1. How did the establishment of British trade routes affect the local economies of Nigeria in the 19th century?
2. What role did the Royal Niger Company play in shaping trade practices and economic relationships between Nigeria and Britain?
3. How did the shift from the slave trade to legitimate trade impact the types of goods traded and the local communities in Nigeria?
4. What were the key commodities involved in the legitimate trade, and why were they significant to both British traders and Nigerian societies?
5. How did British trading activities in Nigeria contribute to the eventual establishment of colonial rule in the region?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively