Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 2

Benin in the 19th century

TERM – 1ST TERM

WEEK NINE

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: BENIN IN THE 19TH CENTURY

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

I.) Describe the history of the Benin kingdom

II.) Discuss the socio-political system of the Benin

III.) Discuss the economy of Benin

IV.) Discuss the Internal Problems and the Decline of the Benin Kingdom

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures,

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S

ACTIVITY

STEP 1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher explains rhe history of the Benin kingdom and discuss the socio-political system of the Benin kingdom

Students attentively listen to the teacher                                                                                 

STEP 2

EXPLANATION

Teacher describe the economy of Benin and discuss the Internal Problems and the Decline of the Benin Kingdom

Students exhibit attentiveness and active engagement

STEP 3

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a summarized

note on the board

The students

copy the note in

their books

 

NOTE

BENIN IN THE 19TH CENTURY

The Benin Kingdom

The Benin Kingdom, also known as the Edo Kingdom, was a pre-colonial African state located in what is now southern Nigeria. It was one of the oldest and most highly developed states in West Africa, with its origins dating back to the 11th century AD. The kingdom reached its zenith of power and influence during the 15th and 16th centuries. Benin City, the capital of the kingdom, was a major center of trade, culture, and artistry.

The Socio-Political System of Benin

The socio-political system of Benin was highly organized and hierarchical. At the top of the hierarchy was the Oba, who held supreme authority and was revered as both a political and spiritual leader.

Below the Oba were titled nobles, known as the Uzama, who served as councilors and advisors to the king. Beneath the Uzama were various chiefs and officials who held positions of authority within the kingdom's administrative structure. The kingdom was divided into administrative units known as "uzo," each headed by a chief who reported directly to the Oba.

The Economy of Benin

Economically, Benin was prosperous due to its control over trade routes and its skilled artisans who produced intricate bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, and other crafts. Agriculture also played a significant role, with the cultivation of crops like yams, palm oil, and maize..

Internal Problems and the Decline of the Benin Kingdom

Internal problems and decline plagued the Benin Kingdom in the late 19th century. Factors such as succession disputes, external pressure from European powers seeking to colonize Africa, and the decline of the transatlantic slave trade contributed to instability and weakened the kingdom. In 1897, British forces launched a punitive expedition, leading to the destruction of Benin City and the overthrow of the Oba, marking the end of Benin's independence and the beginning of British colonial rule in the region.

EVALUATION: 1. Discuss the socio-political system of the Benin

  1. Describe the economy of Benin
  2. Briefly discuss the Internal Problems and the decline of the Benin Kingdom

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively