TFA- Colonization Timeline ABS

colonization

Learning Objective:

Examine key events in Nigerian history and analyze primary sources to understand the impacts of colonization. I will identify evidence from the timeline that challenges colonial claims of African societies as "uncivilized."

colonization timeline

1899

1999

1807

1960

1954

1884

1841

1826

2024

1861

1958

1914

1893

1967

colonization

reflection

On your notes page answer:

The colonists claimed the people of Africa were “uncivilized” - what evidence can you gain from looking through the timeline to disprove their claim?

1807

Britain Outlaws the Slave Trade

Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807 with the passing of the Slave Trade Act, which made it illegal to buy, sell, or trade enslaved people throughout the British Empire.

What it did: The Act made it illegal for British subjects or ships to be involved in the slave trade. It also imposed a fine of £100 for every enslaved person found on a British ship. What it didn't do: The Act did not end the use of enslaved people in the British Empire. Plantation owners were still able to use their existing enslaved labor force. Slavery remained legal in the British Caribbean until 1834.

1826

Search for Timbuktu

Timbuktu was a renowned city in West Africa, known for its immense wealth and intellectual prowess. It was a major center of Islamic learning and trade.

Explorers Motivations: They were driven by a desire for wealth, fame, and the desire to spread Christianity. They were also intrigued by the tales of Timbuktu's riches and learning. Increased knowledge: The quests for Timbuktu helped Europeans gain a better understanding of Africa's geography, resources, and people. The discovery of gold and other valuable resources fueled European desire for colonial expansion.

1841

Niger Expedition

The Niger Expedition of 1841 was a significant event in the history of European exploration and missionary activity in Africa.

Explorers Motivations: The primary objective was to explore the Niger River and establish a mission station in the interior of West Africa. But, they were met with diseases, hostile tribes and difficult terrain. Despite their best efforts, the expedition was ultimately a failure. Increased knowledge: The expedition's challenges and sacrifices inspired future explorers and missionaries to continue their efforts in Africa and gave them greater understanding of the regions people and it’s geography.

1861

Annexation of Lagos

The British took control of Lagos, creating a base for their rule in Nigeria. They used indirect rule to govern, exploited Nigeria's resources, and introduced Western ideas and influences into Nigerian society.

How this happened: Conflicts between the British and the Oba of Lagos, the city's traditional ruler, led to the British bombing Lagos in 1861. Afterward, the British forced the Oba to sign a treaty giving control of the city to them. Lagos was then taken over and made a British colony. Colonist Motivations: Lagos was a key port city on Nigeria's coast, controlling access to the country's interior. Its location helped European powers expand their influence and trade in West Africa. The British set up plantations to extract natural resources, using forced labor

1884

The Berlin Conference

The Berlin Conference, held in 1884-1885, was a meeting where European powers divided Africa into colonies without considering African people. It set the rules for claiming African land and led to the scramble for Africa by European countries.

How this happened: The Berlin Conference took place in 1884-1885 because European countries were competing for Africa’s land and resources. To avoid conflict among themselves, they met to set rules for claiming African territories. Colonist Motivations: This had devastating effects on Africans. African lands were taken without their consent, traditional boundaries were ignored, and people were forced to live under foreign rule. Many Africans were exploited for labor, resources were taken from their lands, and their cultures and societies were disrupted

1893

Southern Nigeria Protectorate

The British used treaties to gain control over African lands and internal affairs. They claimed ownership of African land and took control of the government. The British also forced an economic system based on their currency, the pound sterling, which they demanded through taxes and fines.

How this happened: The Southern Nigeria Protectorate was created when the British signed treaties with local leaders and used force to take control. In 1900, they officially made it a British territory to govern and access its resources. Effects of this: The Southern Nigeria Protectorate led to the loss of local autonomy and the exploitation of resources, disrupting traditional economies and cultures. While it introduced infrastructure development, it also sparked resistance and conflict, setting the stage for future struggles against colonial rule.

1899

White Man’s Burden

"The White Man's Burden" is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1899. It urged Western nations to "civilize" non-Western societies, presenting this as a noble duty. This belief helped justify the colonization of Africa, as Europeans saw themselves as bringing progress, despite the harm to local cultures and loss of autonomy.

What this intended: Kipling believed that Western powers had a duty to uplift "lesser" societies, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time that justified imperialism as a moral obligation. His poem was meant to inspire and legitimize this colonial mission, despite the complexities and consequences of such actions

1954

Nigerian Federal Constitution

Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance by the West African nation of Nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the Federal Government.

How this happened: The introduction of the 1954 federal constitution in Nigeria was driven by rising nationalist movements and demands for greater autonomy, influenced by global decolonization trends. Political parties and pressure for reform highlighted the inadequacies of the previous 1946 Richards Constitution, prompting the British colonial administration to adopt a federal system that better represented Nigeria's diverse regions.

1914

Nigeria becomes a British Colony

On January 1, 1914, the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was created when the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria were consolidated. This was the result of a document signed by British Colonial Governor Frederick Lugard, who had served as the governor of both protectorates. It was the first time that the British brought the diverse peoples of Nigeria under a single colonial administration. Without this amalgamation, Nigeria may not have emerged as a single country.

1967-1970

Nigerian Civil War

This conflict arose when the southeastern region (primarily Igbo) attempted to secede as the Republic of Biafra. The war, which led to severe famine and large-scale casualties, highlighted ethnic tensions and had lasting effects on Nigerian unity and politics.

How this happened: TIn January 1966, Igbo army officers led a coup against political leaders from the north and west, sparking fears they wanted to control Nigeria. A counter-coup followed, intensifying ethnic tensions. Starvation, especially among Biafran children, drew global attention, but no major intervention occurred. By January 1970, weakened by famine, Biafra surrendered. Nigeria declared “no victor, no vanquished” to encourage reconciliation, though the war left lasting effects on the nation’s ethnic relations.

1960

Nigerian Independence

Nigeria became the Federation of Nigeria, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister and Queen Elizabeth II as nominal head of state. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first president.

How this happened: Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, after a series of constitutional reforms and political negotiations driven by nationalist movements. The 1954 federal constitution and subsequent reforms set the stage for self-governance, leading to a peaceful transfer of power and the establishment of a parliamentary system.

1958

Things Fall Apart Published

Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart in the late 1950s during a time of rising nationalist movements in Nigeria seeking independence from British colonial rule. He aimed to counter negative portrayals of African societies in Western literature by presenting an authentic view of Igbo culture and exploring the impact of colonialism on traditional societies.

1999

Transition to Democracy

After decades of military rule, Nigeria successfully transitioned to a democratic government with the election of President Olusegun Obasanjo. This marked the beginning of the Fourth Republic and remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history, shaping its modern governance.

How this happened: After years of military rule and corruption, Nigeria’s leader, General Sani Abacha, died suddenly. His successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, initiated a democratic transition, by organizing elections. In 1999, Nigeria held its first democratic presidential election, and Olusegun Obasanjo won. This marked the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and was a major milestone in its political history.

2024

As Africa’s most populous country, largest economy and most notable democracy, Nigeria is a bellwether for the continent. A weakening economy and rising insecurity threaten progress made in its democratic development. Amid deepening distrust in government and institutions, Nigeria has significant work to do in improving national, state and local security and governance following the national and state elections in 2023.