Exploring British Rule in Nigeria: European Influences and Impacts History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2 and 3

History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2 & 3

Subject: History

Class: Primary 5

Term: First Term

Week: 2 & 3

Age: 10 years

Topic: British Rule in Nigeria

Sub-topic: Who are the British? Where is Nigeria? Who are the Europeans? European countries that tried to occupy Nigeria, Reasons for British rule in Nigeria, and Impacts of British rule in Nigeria

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour per week)

Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Explain who the British are.
  2. Give the location of Nigeria.
  3. Explain who the Europeans are.
  4. Mention the various European countries that attempted to occupy Nigeria.
  5. Examine the reasons for British rule in Nigeria.
  6. Relate the impacts of British rule in Nigeria.

Keywords

British, Nigeria, Europeans, colonization, impacts, Portuguese, French, Germans, British

Set Induction

Start with a brief discussion on the influence of different countries on Nigeria’s history. Ask pupils if they know any European countries that have been involved in Nigeria’s history.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should have basic knowledge of geography and some understanding of historical events.

Learning Materials

  • World maps
  • Pictures of historical European figures and flags
  • Textbooks on Nigerian history

Instructional Materials

  • Maps showing Nigeria and European countries
  • Flashcards with European countries and historical figures

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss general knowledge about Nigeria’s location and the concept of European countries. Use maps to help pupils understand the geographical context.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Geographic understanding
  • Historical analysis
  • Comparative analysis

Learning Materials

  • World maps
  • Textbooks
  • Flashcards

Reference Books

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

Content

  1. Who are the British?
    • Definition: The British are people from Great Britain, which includes England, Scotland, and Wales.
    • Examples: Historical figures such as Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill.
  2. Where is Nigeria?
    • Location: Nigeria is located in West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east.
    • Key cities: Abuja (Capital), Lagos, Port Harcourt.
  3. Who are the Europeans?
    • Definition: Europeans are people from the continent of Europe.
    • Examples: Major European countries include Britain, France, Portugal, and Germany.
  4. European Countries that Tried to Occupy Nigeria:
    • Portugal: Early explorers, but did not establish major control.
    • France: Showed interest but did not colonize Nigeria.
    • Germany: Had limited involvement.
    • Britain: Ultimately established significant control and colonized Nigeria.
  5. Reasons for British Rule in Nigeria:
    • Economic Interests: To control trade and resources.
    • Political Power: To expand their empire.
    • Strategic Location: Nigeria’s position was valuable for trade routes.
    • Missionary Activities: To spread Christianity.
  6. Impacts of British Rule in Nigeria:
    • Economic Changes: Introduction of cash crops and exploitation of resources.
    • Political Changes: Creation of new political boundaries and systems.
    • Cultural Changes: Influence on local cultures and introduction of British customs.
    • Educational Developments: Establishment of schools and introduction of Western education.

Evaluation

  1. Who are the British? a) People from Africa
    b) People from Asia
    c) People from Europe
    d) People from America
  2. Where is Nigeria located? a) South America
    b) East Africa
    c) West Africa
    d) North America
  3. Who are the Europeans? a) People from Africa
    b) People from Europe
    c) People from Asia
    d) People from Australia
  4. Which country did NOT attempt to occupy Nigeria? a) Portugal
    b) France
    c) Germany
    d) Japan
  5. What was one reason for British rule in Nigeria? a) To promote local culture
    b) To control trade and resources
    c) To isolate Nigeria
    d) To end local conflicts
  6. How did British rule affect Nigeria’s economy? a) It led to the growth of local industries
    b) It introduced cash crops and exploited resources
    c) It decreased trade activities
    d) It improved local farming methods
  7. What was a political change due to British rule? a) Creation of new political boundaries
    b) Development of traditional leadership systems
    c) Strengthening of local kingdoms
    d) Independence from other European countries
  8. How did British rule impact Nigerian culture? a) It reinforced traditional customs
    b) It introduced British customs and practices
    c) It had no impact on culture
    d) It led to cultural isolation
  9. Which European country had the most influence on Nigeria? a) Portugal
    b) France
    c) Germany
    d) Britain
  10. What was a major educational change during British rule? a) Introduction of traditional schools
    b) Establishment of Western education
    c) Elimination of schools
    d) Promotion of oral traditions
  11. How did the British rule affect local leadership? a) Strengthened traditional leadership
    b) Replaced local leaders with British administrators
    c) Supported local kings and chiefs
    d) Allowed local leaders to govern freely
  12. What role did missionaries play in British rule? a) They focused on trade
    b) They spread Christianity
    c) They fought in wars
    d) They controlled resources
  13. How did the British impact trade in Nigeria? a) They promoted local markets
    b) They controlled trade routes and resources
    c) They banned all trade
    d) They supported local traders
  14. What was a cultural impact of British rule? a) Preservation of local languages
    b) Introduction of English language and customs
    c) Strengthening of indigenous cultures
    d) Elimination of foreign influences
  15. What was one reason why European countries wanted to control Nigeria? a) To increase local cultural exchange
    b) To gain economic benefits from trade and resources
    c) To stop the spread of Christianity
    d) To improve local governance

Class Activity Discussion

  1. What were the main reasons for British colonization of Nigeria?
    • Answer: To control trade and resources, expand the empire, and spread Christianity.
  2. How did British rule change Nigeria’s economy?
    • Answer: Introduced cash crops, exploited resources, and changed trade patterns.
  3. What were some impacts of British rule on Nigerian culture?
    • Answer: Introduction of British customs, language, and education systems.
  4. Describe the involvement of other European countries in Nigeria.
    • Answer: Portugal and France showed interest but had limited impact; Germany had minimal involvement.
  5. How did British rule affect local leadership?
    • Answer: Replaced local leaders with British administrators and introduced new political systems.
  6. Explain the significance of Nigeria’s location for the British.
    • Answer: Nigeria’s strategic location was important for trade routes and resource control.
  7. What role did missionaries play during British rule?
    • Answer: They helped spread Christianity and influenced cultural practices.
  8. How did British rule impact education in Nigeria?
    • Answer: Led to the establishment of Western education systems and schools.
  9. What were the economic benefits for the British from Nigeria?
    • Answer: Control of trade, resources, and introduction of cash crops.
  10. Discuss the political changes introduced by the British in Nigeria.
    • Answer: Creation of new boundaries and introduction of British political systems.

Presentation

  1. Step 1: Revise the key points from the previous week’s topic.
  2. Step 2: Introduce the new topic: “This week, we will learn about British rule in Nigeria, including who the British are, the location of Nigeria, and the impacts of British colonization.”
  3. Step 3: Encourage pupils to discuss what they know and ask questions to clarify their understanding.

Teacher’s Activities

  1. Present information on British rule and European involvement.
  2. Use maps and flashcards to aid understanding.
  3. Facilitate class discussions and answer questions.

Learners’ Activities

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

Assessment

  • Observe pupils’ participation and understanding during discussions.
  • Review answers to evaluation questions.

Evaluation Questions

  1. Explain who the British are.
  2. Describe Nigeria’s location.
  3. Define who the Europeans are.
  4. List the European countries involved in Nigeria.
  5. What were the reasons for British colonization?
  6. Discuss the economic impact of British rule.
  7. How did British rule affect local culture?
  8. Describe the changes in Nigerian education during British rule.
  9. What was the role of missionaries in Nigeria?
  10. How did British rule alter political structures in Nigeria?

Conclusion

The teacher will review the main points, go around to mark pupils’ work, and address any remaining questions or misconceptions about British rule in Nigeria.

More Useful Links