British Rule in Nigeria: Key Phases and Impacts History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4 and 5

History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4 & 5

Subject: History

Class: Primary 5

Term: First Term

Week: 4 & 5

Age: 10 years

Topic: British Rule in Nigeria 2

Sub-topic: First Place the British Occupied, Phases of British Occupation, Ways of Occupation, Activities of the British Royal Niger Company, Revocation of the Royal Niger Company’s Charter, Founder of the Royal Niger Company

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour per week)

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Mention the first place the British occupied in Nigeria.
2. Discuss the phases of British occupation of Nigeria.
3. Analyze the ways the British occupied Nigeria.
4. Identify the Founder of the British Royal Niger Company.
5. Examine the activities of the British Royal Niger Company of Nigeria.
6. Explain why the Royal Niger Company’s Charter was revoked on 31st December 1899.

Keywords

British, occupation, Royal Niger Company, charter, founder, phases, activities

Set Induction

Start with a review of how British rule began in Nigeria. Ask pupils if they know the first place the British established their presence.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should have knowledge of British rule in Nigeria and the concept of colonization.

Learning Materials

• Maps of Nigeria showing British occupation
• Historical pictures and documents
• Textbooks on Nigerian history

Instructional Materials

• Historical maps
• Photographs of key figures and events
• Chart of British occupation phases

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review the general concept of British colonization and the role of companies in establishing control over territories.

Embedded Core Skills

• Historical analysis
• Critical thinking
• Understanding historical documents

Learning Materials

• Maps and charts
• Textbooks
• Historical documents

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History
• Nigerian History textbooks

Content

1. First Place the British Occupied:
   • Lagos: The British first occupied Lagos in 1865, using it as a base to extend control into the interior of Nigeria.
2. Phases of British Occupation:
   • Early Exploration (1800s): Initial exploration and trading activities.
   • Establishment of Control (1865-1900): Establishment of Lagos and other coastal areas.
   • Consolidation (1900-1960): Expansion into the interior and formal colonization.
3. Ways the British Occupied Nigeria:
   • Military Conquest: Use of military force to subdue local resistance.
   • Treaties and Agreements: Signing agreements with local leaders to gain control.
   • Economic Exploitation: Establishment of trading companies like the Royal Niger Company.
4. Founder of the British Royal Niger Company:
   • Sir George Taubman Goldie: The founder of the Royal Niger Company, which played a significant role in British colonization.
5. Activities of the British Royal Niger Company:
   • Trade Control: Dominated trade along the Niger River.
   • Political Influence: Established control over local rulers through treaties.
   • Resource Exploitation: Exploited natural resources for British benefit.
6. Revocation of the Royal Niger Company’s Charter:
   • Date: 31st December 1899.
   • Reasons: Mismanagement and failure to meet obligations; the British government took direct control to improve administration and revenue.

Evaluation

1. What was the first place the British occupied in Nigeria? a) Abuja
   b) Lagos
   c) Kano
   d) Port Harcourt
2. What were the phases of British occupation in Nigeria? a) Exploration, Establishment, and Independence
   b) Exploration, Establishment, and Consolidation
   c) Colonization, Administration, and Independence
   d) Trade, Expansion, and Revolution
3. Which method did the British use to occupy Nigeria? a) Military Conquest
   b) Peaceful Negotiation
   c) Diplomatic Relations
   d) Trade Agreements
4. Who was the founder of the British Royal Niger Company? a) Sir George Taubman Goldie
   b) Lord Lugard
   c) Queen Victoria
   d) Sir Richard Burton
5. What was one activity of the British Royal Niger Company? a) Establishing schools
   b) Dominating trade along the Niger River
   c) Promoting local industries
   d) Creating local governments
6. Why was the Royal Niger Company’s Charter revoked? a) Success in trade
   b) Mismanagement and failure to meet obligations
   c) Expansion into new territories
   d) Strong local support
7. What was the focus of British control during the Consolidation phase? a) Establishing local rule
   b) Expanding into the interior
   c) Strengthening coastal trade
   d) Promoting education
8. How did the British use treaties in their occupation of Nigeria? a) To negotiate with local leaders
   b) To protect local traditions
   c) To support local governments
   d) To isolate Nigeria from other countries
9. Which British activity involved the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources? a) Educational reform
   b) Military conquest
   c) Trade control
   d) Cultural promotion
10. When did the British government take direct control from the Royal Niger Company? a) 31st December 1899
    b) 1st January 1900
    c) 31st December 1900
    d) 1st January 1901
11. What was the primary reason for the British occupation of Lagos? a) Economic opportunity
    b) Military strategy
    c) Political alliance
    d) Educational expansion
12. How did the British handle local resistance? a) By negotiating peacefully
    b) By using military force
    c) By ignoring local leaders
    d) By granting independence
13. What was a key feature of the British occupation’s early phase? a) Direct administration
    b) Coastal trade
    c) Resource exploitation
    d) Cultural integration
14. How did Sir George Taubman Goldie contribute to British rule? a) By leading military campaigns
    b) By establishing trade control through the Royal Niger Company
    c) By negotiating treaties with European countries
    d) By developing educational policies
15. What was one impact of the British Royal Niger Company on Nigeria? a) Improvement in local governance
    b) Control over trade and resources
    c) Development of local industries
    d) Strengthening of traditional leadership

Class Activity Discussion

1. Describe the first place the British occupied in Nigeria.
   • Answer: Lagos.
2. What were the key phases of British occupation?
   • Answer: Exploration, establishment of control, and consolidation.
3. Explain the ways the British occupied Nigeria.
   • Answer: Military conquest, treaties, and economic exploitation.
4. Who was Sir George Taubman Goldie and what was his role?
   • Answer: Founder of the Royal Niger Company, instrumental in establishing British control.
5. Why was the Royal Niger Company’s Charter revoked?
   • Answer: Due to mismanagement and failure to meet obligations.
6. How did the British Royal Niger Company influence trade in Nigeria?
   • Answer: Dominated trade along the Niger River.
7. What changes occurred in Nigeria after the revocation of the Royal Niger Company’s Charter?
   • Answer: Direct British government control for improved administration.
8. Discuss the impact of the British Royal Niger Company’s activities on local rulers.
   • Answer: Established control through treaties and influence.
9. What were the economic impacts of British occupation on Nigeria?
   • Answer: Exploitation of resources and control over trade.
10. How did the British use treaties to their advantage?
    • Answer: Gained control by negotiating with local leaders.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Review the key points from Week 3’s lesson on British rule.
2. Step 2: Introduce the new topic: “This week, we will learn about the details of British occupation in Nigeria, including the first places they occupied, the phases of their rule, and the role of the Royal Niger Company.”
3. Step 3: Encourage pupils to discuss their understanding of British occupation and ask questions to clarify concepts.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Present information on the first places occupied and phases of occupation.
2. Discuss the role of the Royal Niger Company and the reasons for the revocation of its charter.
3. Facilitate discussions and answer questions.

Learners’ Activities

1. Participate in discussions and answer questions.
2. Review and analyze historical maps and documents.
3. Complete evaluation and class activity discussions.

Assessment

• Observe pupils’ understanding during discussions.
• Review responses to evaluation questions and class activities.

Evaluation Questions

1. Describe the first place the British occupied in Nigeria.
2. What were the phases of British occupation?
3. How did the British occupy Nigeria?
4. Who founded the Royal Niger Company?
5. What were the activities of the Royal Niger Company?
6. Why was the Royal Niger Company’s Charter revoked?
7. Discuss the impact of British occupation on local trade.
8. How did the British handle local resistance?
9. What role did treaties play in British occupation?
10. What were the economic impacts of British rule?

Conclusion

The teacher will review the lesson, address any remaining questions, and go around to mark pupils’ work. Discuss the significance of the British Royal Niger Company and the impact of the revocation of its charter on Nigeria’s history.

Title

British Rule in Nigeria: Key Phases and Impacts

Focus Keyphrase

British rule in Nigeria

SEO Title

British Rule in Nigeria: Phases, Impacts, and Royal Niger Company

Slug

british-rule-nigeria-phases-impacts

Meta Description

“Explore the phases of British rule in Nigeria, including the role of the Royal Niger Company and impacts of colonization.”

 

 

 

Further Reading

The British first settled in Nigeria along the coast, particularly in areas that are now known as Lagos and Calabar. These coastal regions provided suitable harbors for their ships and were convenient for trade. Lagos, in particular, became a significant British settlement and later the capital of Nigeria during the colonial period. The British established their presence along the coast before gradually moving inland as they expanded their control over Nigeria. This initial coastal settlement marked the beginning of British influence in Nigeria, eventually leading to the colonization of the entire country.

 

How the British came to Nigeria

The British came to Nigeria through a combination of exploration, trade, and colonization. Here’s a brief overview of how they arrived in Nigeria:

1. Exploration: British explorers, such as Mungo Park and Richard Lander, ventured into the interior of Africa in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They mapped out the Niger River and its surroundings, which would become significant for later British activities in Nigeria.

2. Trade: The British established trading relationships with local Nigerian kingdoms and communities along the coast. Goods like palm oil, rubber, and other resources were valuable in the European market. This trade motivated the British to deepen their involvement in Nigeria.

3. Treaties: The British negotiated treaties with various Nigerian rulers and communities. These treaties often gave the British trading rights and established their presence in different parts of Nigeria. Some of these agreements were signed under less-than-equitable circumstances.

4. Military Conquest: When negotiations and treaties didn’t secure their interests, the British used military force to expand their control. They engaged in conflicts with local leaders and communities, leading to the colonization of Nigeria.

5. Formal Colonization: Nigeria was formally colonized by the British in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was divided into the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1900 and later merged in 1914 to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

In summary, the British came to Nigeria through exploration, trade, the negotiation of treaties, and, in some cases, military actions. These actions allowed them to establish their presence and eventually colonize Nigeria, leading to the period of British colonial rule.

Evaluation :

1. The British initially settled along the ________ of Nigeria.
   a) Coast
   b) Mountains
   c) Rivers
   d) Deserts

2. The coastal area where the British first settled included ________ and Calabar.
   a) Lagos
   b) Kano
   c) Jos
   d) Sokoto

3. British explorers like Mungo Park and Richard Lander played a role in ________.
   a) Trading
   b) Colonization
   c) Exploration
   d) Farming

4. The British established trading relationships in Nigeria because of valuable ________ resources.
   a) Food
   b) Palm oil
   c) Cotton
   d) Gold

5. Some treaties were signed between the British and Nigerian rulers to secure ________ rights.
   a) Fishing
   b) Trading
   c) Farming
   d) Hunting

6. When negotiations failed, the British sometimes used ________ to expand their control.
   a) Money
   b) Diplomacy
   c) Military force
   d) Religion

7. The formal colonization of Nigeria occurred in the late ________ century.
   a) 15th
   b) 18th
   c) 19th
   d) 20th

8. Nigeria was divided into Northern and Southern Protectorates in the year ________.
   a) 1800
   b) 1900
   c) 2000
   d) 2100

9. The merging of the Northern and Southern Protectorates created the Colony and Protectorate of ________.
   a) Lagos
   b) Calabar
   c) Nigeria
   d) Britain

10. The British came to Nigeria through exploration, trade, treaties, and sometimes the use of ________.
    a) Diplomacy
    b) Military force
    c) Trade routes
    d) Communication

11. Local Nigerian communities often engaged in ________ with the British.
    a) Cooperation
    b) Trade
    c) Conflict
    d) Friendship

12. The Niger River played a significant role in the British exploration of ________.
    a) South America
    b) Europe
    c) Africa
    d) Asia

13. British explorers like ________ mapped the Niger River and its surroundings.
    a) Christopher Columbus
    b) Nelson Mandela
    c) Mungo Park
    d) Albert Einstein

14. The British established their presence in Nigeria to access valuable ________ resources.
    a) Technology
    b) Cultural
    c) Natural
    d) Historical

15. The British colonization of Nigeria led to a period of ________ colonial rule.
    a) French
    b) German
    c) British
    d) Spanish

 

British Royal Niger Company’s actions in Nigeria

The British Royal Niger Company played a significant role in Nigeria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some key actions and activities of the company in Nigeria:

1. Economic Activities: The primary purpose of the Royal Niger Company was economic. It engaged in trade, particularly in palm oil and other valuable resources. The company established trading posts and factories in various parts of Nigeria to facilitate the collection and export of these resources. This trade was highly profitable for the company and the British Empire.
2. Expansion and Control: The Royal Niger Company expanded its influence inland from the coastal regions. It signed treaties with local Nigerian rulers and communities, which often gave the company rights to collect taxes, maintain order, and establish its authority in these areas. This expansion allowed the company to control significant territories in what is now Nigeria.
3. Administration: The company acted as a quasi-governmental entity in the territories it controlled. It appointed its own officials to administer these regions and collect taxes on behalf of the company and the British government. This administrative structure was part of the indirect rule system used by the British in their colonial governance.
4. Infrastructure Development: The Royal Niger Company invested in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, railways, and telegraph lines. These infrastructure projects aimed to facilitate trade and improve transportation within the territories under the company’s control.
5. Challenges and Conflicts: The company faced challenges and conflicts with local communities and rivals. Some Nigerians resisted the company’s presence and control, leading to occasional conflicts and tensions. Additionally, rival European companies and colonial powers sometimes clashed with the Royal Niger Company over territorial control.
6. Charter Revocation: The Royal Niger Company operated under a charter granted by the British government. However, due to allegations of misconduct and abuses of power, the British government revoked the company’s charter on December 31, 1899. This marked the end of the company’s direct control over Nigerian territories.
7. Legacy: Despite its eventual dissolution, the Royal Niger Company played a significant role in shaping the economic, political, and administrative landscape of Nigeria. It contributed to the integration of various Nigerian regions into a single entity and set the stage for full British colonial rule, which began after the company’s charter was revoked.

The Royal Niger Company lost its rights on December 31, 1899, because the British government believed the company had been abusing its power and not governing fairly. This led to concerns about the treatment of local people and the mismanagement of the territories the company controlled. As a result, the British government decided to take over direct control of these areas, ending the company’s authority in Nigeria.

The Royal Niger Company was founded by Sir George Goldie

 

Evaluation

1. The British Royal Niger Company played a significant role in Nigeria during the late ________ century.
   a) 17th
   b) 18th
   c) 19th
   d) 20th

2. The main purpose of the Royal Niger Company was to engage in ________.
   a) Farming
   b) Exploration
   c) Trade
   d) Education

3. The company was primarily involved in trading ________ resources.
   a) Cultural
   b) Natural
   c) Historical
   d) Technological

4. The Royal Niger Company expanded its influence from the ________ areas into the interior of Nigeria.
   a) Coastal
   b) Desert
   c) Mountainous
   d) Rainforest

5. The company signed ________ with local Nigerian rulers to secure its rights in various territories.
   a) Agreements
   b) Weather forecasts
   c) Recipes
   d) Songs

6. The Royal Niger Company had the authority to collect ________ from the areas it controlled.
   a) Taxes
   b) Seashells
   c) Flowers
   d) Toys

7. One of the reasons the Royal Niger Company lost its rights in Nigeria was because of concerns about its ________.
   a) Fair governance
   b) Military strength
   c) Secret recipes
   d) Travel routes

8. The British government decided to revoke the Royal Niger Company’s rights on ________.
   a) December 31, 1888
   b) December 31, 1899
   c) December 31, 1910
   d) December 31, 1925

9. The name of the person who founded the Royal Niger Company was ________.
   a) Sir George Goldie
   b) Queen Elizabeth II
   c) King Louis XVI
   d) Sir Isaac Newton

10. The Royal Niger Company’s charter revocation marked the end of its ________.
    a) Leadership
    b) Activities in Nigeria
    c) Trading partners
    d) Secret recipes

11. The company invested in building ________ to improve transportation in the territories it controlled.
    a) Schools
    b) Roads
    c) Skyscrapers
    d) Submarines

12. The Royal Niger Company had ________ control over areas in Nigeria.
    a) Partial
    b) No
    c) Full
    d) Temporary

13. The primary purpose of the Royal Niger Company’s presence in Nigeria was for ________.
    a) Exploration
    b) Trade
    c) Farming
    d) Religious missions

14. The British government believed the Royal Niger Company had been ________ its power.
    a) Abusing
    b) Sharing
    c) Ignoring
    d) Fixing

15. The Royal Niger Company played a significant role in the early colonial history of ________.
    a) Ghana
    b) Nigeria
    c) South Africa
    d) Egypt

 

Assessment:
– We’ll see how you understand by talking and asking questions.
– You’ll have some homework or write a short essay about how British rule changed Nigeria.

Evaluation Questions:
1. Can you name the first places the British settled in Nigeria?
2. How did the British get into Nigeria?
3. What did the British Royal Niger Company do in Nigeria?
4. Why did the Royal Niger Company lose its rights on December 31, 1899?
5. Who started the Royal Niger Company?

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