History - Junior Secondary 3 - The British system of colonialism

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 9 and 10

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  The British system of colonialism

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

1. ) Explain the direct rule system of British colonialism
2. ) Explain the indirect rule system of British colonialism

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 9

NOTE

THE BRITISH SYSTEM OF COLONIALISM

The British system of colonialism in Nigeria primarily employed two methods: direct rule and indirect rule. Each system had distinct characteristics and implications for the governance and administration of the Nigerian territories.

Indirect Rule

Indirect rule is a colonial governance strategy where colonial powers maintain control over a territory through local rulers and traditional institutions. The colonial government relies on existing local authorities to enforce colonial policies and administer the colony.

How the Indirect rule applies to Nigeria

1. Historical Context:
   • The indirect rule system was most notably developed in Nigeria by Lord Frederick Lugard, who served as the Governor-General of Nigeria from 1914 to 1919. He believed that it was more efficient and cost-effective to govern through existing local structures rather than dismantling them.
2. Implementation:
   • Under indirect rule, traditional rulers retained their titles and some powers, but their authority was significantly limited by colonial laws and regulations. British officials supervised and directed local leaders, ensuring their loyalty to the colonial administration.
   • The Emirate System in Northern Nigeria is a prime example. The British recognized the authority of the emirs, allowing them to maintain control over their subjects while enforcing British policies. The emirs were used to collect taxes, maintain order, and implement colonial laws.
   • In contrast, in the Southern regions, especially among ethnic groups such as the Igbos and Yorubas, the indirect rule was less effective due to the lack of a centralized political structure, which forced the British to employ more direct methods of governance.
3. Consequences:
   • Indirect rule allowed the British to maintain a façade of traditional governance, which sometimes led to a perception of continuity and stability. However, it also fostered resentment as local leaders who cooperated with the British were often viewed as collaborators or traitors by their communities.
   • The system contributed to the entrenchment of ethnic divisions, as the British often favored certain groups over others, disrupting traditional power dynamics. This favoritism sowed seeds of distrust and conflict among different ethnic groups.
   • A notable outcome of indirect rule was the emergence of educated elites who later became pivotal in the struggle for independence. As local leaders were educated in Western institutions, they began to advocate for greater rights and representation.

EVALUATION:

1. What is indirect rule, and how was it implemented in Nigeria? Discuss the role of local leaders within this system.
2. What were the British colonial objectives in adopting indirect rule as a governance strategy in Nigeria? How did this approach align with their overall colonial policies?
3. Evaluate the impact of indirect rule on traditional political structures in Nigeria. How did it affect the authority and legitimacy of local leaders?
4. How did indirect rule influence ethnic relations and dynamics within Nigeria? Provide examples of how certain groups were favored or marginalized.
5. Assess the legacy of indirect rule on Nigeria’s political and social landscape after independence. In what ways did this system shape the challenges faced by the newly independent nation?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 10

NOTE

THE BRITISH SYSTEM OF COLONIALISM

Direct Rule

Direct rule is a form of governance where colonial authorities take direct control of the administration, often sidelining or completely replacing local political structures and leaders. This system typically involves the imposition of foreign laws, policies, and institutions.

Application in Nigeria:

1. Historical Context:
   • Direct rule was particularly prominent in areas of Nigeria where the British faced significant resistance or where local leaders could not be easily co-opted into the colonial administration. It was more common in the Southern regions, especially after the consolidation of British control following the defeat of local powers.
2. Implementation:
   • Following the Nigerian Amalgamation of 1914, the British established a centralized colonial administration. For instance, in Lagos and the Eastern provinces, British officials directly governed the colonies.
   • British administrators, often from the British government, took charge of all aspects of governance, including law enforcement, taxation, and public health. They implemented policies without significant input from local populations.
   • The introduction of laws, taxation systems, and governance practices often disregarded existing local traditions and structures, leading to discontent among the populace.
3. Consequences:
   • This approach often resulted in the alienation of the local population, as they had little say in the governance of their communities. The lack of representation and participation led to unrest and resistance movements.
   • An example is the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, where women protested against the imposition of direct tax by the British, leading to significant violence and a re-examination of colonial policies.

EVALUATION:

1. What are the key characteristics of direct rule, and how did it manifest in Nigeria during British colonialism?
2. Describe the administrative structure implemented under direct rule in Nigeria. How did it differ from local governance systems?
3. In what ways did direct rule impact the relationship between the British authorities and the local Nigerian populations? Provide specific examples of resistance or unrest.
4. Analyze the significance of the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 in the context of direct rule. What factors contributed to the unrest, and what were the outcomes?
5. Discuss the long-term effects of direct rule on Nigeria's political landscape. How did this system influence post-colonial governance and the formation of national identity?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively