British Colonization Of Nigeria Essay

Nigeria is a country in West Africa and was colonized by the British. It was established as a colony in 1884 at the Berlin conference where Africa was divided by European powers. The British simply wanted to expand their empire, which meant taking over other countries that had resources that they wanted and would allow them to expand their trade market and economy. The European imperialist push into Africa was motivated by three main factors, economic, political, and social. Nigeria in the past was forced to participate in the slave trade. The British colonized and controlled Nigeria first by setting up trading posts and selling manufactured goods. They originally split Nigeria into two separate regions; the north and the south. The Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates controlled these two regions. The Protectorates created a system of command and administrations built around indigenous authorities of Nigeria. In 1914 the two Protectorates unified to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The British took

As a colony, Nigeria experienced a good deal of growth in infrastructure and trade. Roads and railroads were built throughout the country. Communication became more rapid due to the telegraph and postal system. Cash crops such as rubber, peanuts, and palm oil were promoted in rural areas, and were sold and exported. Also involved in export was the expanding mining industry. In general, a cash economy was becoming increasingly important to Nigeria. And this economic system that was set into place mainly benefited Europe, while exploiting the labor and resources of Nigeria. Unfortunately, the Nigerian people could see that the colonial system was not working for their benefit. They were taxed heavily and unable to move up the ladder to positions of privilege and power that the colonial administrators enjoyed. They also resented the disrespect for local customs shown by British