Week of the Term: 1st Week
Topic: British Colonization of Nigerian Territories
Sub-Topic: Impact of the Songhai Empire’s Fall; British Motives for Colonization
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the role of the Songhai Empire in West Africa and its influence on Nigerian territories.
- Identify reasons behind British colonization efforts in Nigeria.
- Explain the economic and political motivations of the British in Nigeria.
Entry Behaviour
Students should already know about the geography and major early empires of West Africa.
Instructional Materials
- History textbook for JSS 3
- Visual aids (map of West Africa showing the Songhai Empire)
- Flashcards with key terms and dates
Reference Materials
- Christopher B. N. Ogbogbo, Folayemi Famoroti, Bem Japhet Audu, Evelyn Onaniban (2015). History, Junior Secondary, Secondary Schools. University Press Plc, Lagos.
- M. D. Suleiman, E. E. Nwagu, A. Anwar, R. O. Olaniyi, S. I. Ugbegili, P. Afaha (2010). Basic History for Junior Secondary School 3 Textbook (BEC Edition). Spectrum Books Limited, Lagos.
Content
Topic: The Fall of the Songhai Empire and British Motives for Colonization in Nigeria
The Songhai Empire
The Songhai Empire was one of the greatest African empires, existing between the 15th and 16th centuries in West Africa. It was known for its:
- Powerful Military and Expansion: Songhai had a strong army and expanded its territories under leaders like Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad.
- Wealth and Trade: The empire was a trade center, where goods like gold, salt, and ivory were exchanged across the Sahara.
- Learning and Culture: The empire’s cities, like Timbuktu, were famous for Islamic learning and attracted scholars from all over.
Fall of the Songhai Empire
In 1591, Songhai was invaded by the Moroccans, who used firearms, which Songhai warriors did not have. This invasion greatly weakened the empire, and eventually, it broke apart. With the fall of such a large empire:
- Smaller Kingdoms and Tribes Grew Stronger: Without a large empire to control the region, many small groups like the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo became more influential.
- Increased European Contact: With no strong empire to resist them, European countries, especially Britain, started trading more along the West African coast.
British Motives for Colonization
As European countries became more powerful, they began exploring and establishing trade routes in Africa. Britain, in particular, had strong motives to gain control in Nigeria.
- Economic Interests: Britain was undergoing the Industrial Revolution and needed raw materials like palm oil and rubber to support its factories. Nigeria’s resources made it valuable to the British economy.
- Political Power: European nations were competing to be the most powerful, and each wanted to claim as much territory as possible in Africa. This was called the “Scramble for Africa,” and Britain did not want to be left behind.
- Spread of Christianity: Many British missionaries came to Nigeria to spread Christianity. They also wanted to bring Western education and healthcare to Nigeria, believing it would “improve” African societies.
- Strategic Location: Nigeria’s coast provided an ideal spot for Britain to control West African trade routes, which made it easier for them to influence other African regions as well.
Early British Influence in Nigeria
Initially, British presence in Nigeria was through trade. Over time, however, the British influence expanded:
- Trade Treaties: British traders made agreements with local leaders that allowed them to trade freely and establish influence.
- Missionary Work: British missionaries began establishing schools and churches, which introduced Western ideas and practices to Nigerians.
- Introduction of New Goods: British traders brought goods like cloth, guns, and alcohol, and Nigerian goods like palm oil became highly desired in British markets.
Step 1: Introduction
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Others removed.
