History - Junior Secondary 3 - How the British conquered Nigerian territories

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 7 and 8

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  How the British Conquered Nigerian Territories

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

1. ) Narrate the ways by which the British conquered Nigerian territories-waging of wars and signing of treaties

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 7

NOTE

HOW THE BRITISH CONQUERED THE NIGERIAN TERRITORY
The British conquest of Nigerian territories was a complex process that unfolded over several decades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This conquest involved a combination of diplomatic treaties and military force, resulting in the establishment of British colonial rule over the diverse ethnic and cultural groups in Nigeria.

Initial Contacts and the Role of Trade

The British first made contact with Nigeria in the late 15th century, primarily as traders interested in the resources of the region, particularly palm oil, ivory, and later, slaves. By the 18th and early 19th centuries, British merchants and explorers had established trade routes along the coast, leading to increased interest in the interior. The arrival of missionaries further intensified British interest, as they sought to spread Christianity and Western education.

Signing of Treaties

a. Treaty of Cession

The British strategy for conquest often involved signing treaties with local rulers, ostensibly to establish peaceful relations and protect their trading interests. For example, in 1865, the British signed the Treaty of Cession with the Oba of Lagos, which allowed them to establish a protectorate over Lagos in exchange for protection against external threats. This treaty was significant because it marked the beginning of formal British control over Nigerian territories.

b. Treaties with Other Kingdoms

Over the years, the British negotiated treaties with various kingdoms, including the kingdoms of Benin, Oyo, and others. These treaties typically involved promises of protection in exchange for British influence over local governance. However, many of these treaties were signed under duress or with limited understanding of their implications, leading to resentment and mistrust among local rulers.

EVALUATION:

1. What strategies did the British use to establish control over Nigerian territories?
2. Discuss the significance of the treaties signed between the British and local rulers in Nigeria.
3. What were the primary military campaigns conducted by the British in Nigeria, and what were their outcomes?
4. How did local resistance affect British expansion efforts in Nigeria?
5. Analyze the impact of British treaties and military actions on the political landscape of Nigeria.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 8

NOTE

HOW THE BRITISH CONQUERED THE NIGERIAN TERRITORY-WAGING OF WARS

Waging of Wars

a. Military Campaigns

While treaties were a key tool for establishing control, the British also resorted to military force when negotiations failed or when they perceived a threat to their interests. The British conducted several military campaigns, particularly against powerful kingdoms such as the Oyo Empire and the Kingdom of Benin.

• Benin Expedition of 1897: One of the most significant military campaigns was the punitive expedition against Benin in 1897. Following the killing of a British consul and his entourage, the British launched a well-coordinated military attack on Benin City. The British troops faced little organized resistance and ultimately sacked the city, looting its treasures and deposing the Oba. This campaign resulted in the annexation of Benin and marked a turning point in the British conquest of Nigeria.
• Niger Expedition: Earlier, the Niger Expedition of 1854 aimed to open the Niger River for trade and commerce. This military expedition established British naval presence and expanded British control in the region.

b. Resistance from Local Powers

The British faced varying degrees of resistance from local rulers and their subjects. While some rulers sought to cooperate with the British for their own political gain, others fiercely resisted foreign domination. The Hausa states, for instance, put up significant resistance, culminating in conflicts like the Kano War (1903) and the Zaria campaigns.

Establishment of Colonial Rule

Following successful military campaigns and the signing of treaties, the British gradually established a more centralized colonial administration. By 1914, the British had amalgamated the northern and southern protectorates with Lagos to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. This move was aimed at creating a more cohesive administration that could effectively manage the diverse territories and populations under British control.

Impact on Nigerian Society

The British conquest significantly altered the political, social, and economic landscape of Nigeria. Traditional systems of governance were undermined, and colonial rule introduced new administrative structures. The British imposed new tax systems, land policies, and labor practices, often leading to discontent and resistance among the local population.

Additionally, the introduction of Western education and Christianity brought about cultural changes, which sometimes clashed with indigenous beliefs and practices. The legacies of British colonial rule, including infrastructure development and the introduction of new economic activities, have had lasting impacts on Nigeria’s development trajectory.

EVALUATION:

1. Describe how the British colonial administration was structured in Nigeria after the amalgamation of the territories in 1914.
2. What were the key changes imposed by British colonial rule on traditional governance systems in Nigeria?
3. Discuss the social and economic impacts of British colonization on Nigerian society.
4. How did the introduction of Western education and Christianity affect indigenous cultures and beliefs in Nigeria?
5. Evaluate the long-term legacies of British colonialism on contemporary Nigerian society.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively