Exploring Connections: Early European Contact with West Africa and Nigeria History JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Lesson Plan: Early European Contact with West Africa and Nigeria

Subject: History

Class: JSS 3

Term: First Term

Week: 8

Age: 13–14 years

Topic: Early European Contact with West Africa and Nigeria

Sub-topic: The Great Benin Empire and Early European Interactions

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Describe the nature of early European contact with West Africa and Nigeria.
2. Identify key figures in early European exploration and missionary work in Nigeria.
3. Explain the trade relationships that developed between the Benin Empire and European explorers.
4. Analyze the impact of these early contacts on Nigerian society.

Keywords

• Exploration
• Trade
• Great Benin Empire
• Portuguese
• Missionaries

Set Induction

The teacher will ask: “How do you think the arrival of Europeans changed trade in West Africa?” This question will prompt students to think critically about the topic.

Entry Behavior

Students have learned about the general nature of European exploration and the motivations behind it, providing a foundation for understanding specific interactions with West Africa and Nigeria.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Maps showing trade routes between Portugal and the Benin Empire
• Visual aids of key historical figures such as Mary Slessor and Samuel Bill
• Textbooks covering the early European contact with West Africa

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have studied the impact of exploration on global trade, setting the context for understanding how these interactions specifically affected West Africa and Nigeria.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Research

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• “The History of West Africa” by J. F. Ade Ajayi
• JSS 3 History Textbook

Instructional Materials

• Maps depicting early European trade routes
• Profiles of significant explorers and missionaries

Content

A. Early European Contact with West Africa

1. The Great Benin Empire
   • Established as a powerful and wealthy kingdom in the 15th century.
   • Known for its rich culture, art, and trade in ivory, textiles, and pepper.
2. Contact with Portuguese Explorers
   • The Portuguese arrived in the late 15th century, establishing trade relations.
   • The historic trade relationship began in 1485 when the Portuguese explorers first reached the Benin coast.
3. Trade Relationships
   • The Portuguese sought gold, ivory, and pepper, exchanging these goods for textiles, firearms, and other manufactured items.
   • This trade significantly impacted the economy of the Benin Empire.

B. Early European Merchants and Explorers

1. Notable Figures
   • East Taubman Goldie: A British merchant who was influential in the establishment of trade in the Niger Delta region.
   • John Holt: A prominent British trader who contributed to the expansion of trade in Nigeria.
2. Impact of Trade
   • The establishment of trading posts led to increased European influence in West Africa.
   • This influence would later lead to more extensive colonization efforts.

C. Early European Missionaries

1. Key Missionaries
   • Mary Slessor: Known for her missionary work among the Efik people and her efforts to improve the lives of women and children.
   • Birch Freeman, Samuel Bill, Henry Townsend: Missionaries who played significant roles in spreading Christianity and education in Nigeria.
2. Contributions of Missionaries
   • Missionaries established schools and churches, promoting literacy and education.
   • They often clashed with traditional beliefs, leading to significant cultural changes.

Evaluation

1. The Great Benin Empire was established in the __________ century.
   a) 14th
   b) 15th
   c) 16th
   d) 17th
2. The Portuguese first reached Benin in __________.
   a) 1450
   b) 1485
   c) 1500
   d) 1525
3. One major export from the Benin Empire was __________.
   a) Silver
   b) Gold
   c) Salt
   d) Spices
4. East Taubman Goldie was a notable __________.
   a) Explorer
   b) Merchant
   c) Missionary
   d) Leader
5. Mary Slessor was known for her work with the __________ people.
   a) Hausa
   b) Yoruba
   c) Efik
   d) Igbo
6. The primary goal of early European missionaries was to spread __________.
   a) Trade
   b) Religion
   c) Education
   d) Agriculture
7. John Holt was a prominent __________.
   a) Farmer
   b) Merchant
   c) Missionary
   d) Leader
8. The Portuguese exchanged textiles and firearms for __________.
   a) Wood
   b) Ivory
   c) Gold
   d) Rice
9. The arrival of European merchants led to increased __________ in West Africa.
   a) Independence
   b) Colonization
   c) Isolation
   d) Warfare
10. The impact of early European contact included changes in __________ practices.
    a) Educational
    b) Agricultural
    c) Trading
    d) Cultural

Class Activity Discussion

1. What empire was the first to establish contact with Portuguese explorers?
   The Great Benin Empire.
2. In what year did the Portuguese first reach Benin?
   In 1485.
3. What were the main exports of the Benin Empire?
   Gold, ivory, and pepper.
4. Who was East Taubman Goldie?
   A British merchant influential in trade in the Niger Delta region.
5. What was Mary Slessor known for?
   Her missionary work and efforts to improve the lives of women and children.
6. What was the primary goal of early European missionaries in Nigeria?
   To spread Christianity.
7. How did early European merchants impact trade in West Africa?
   They established trading posts, increasing European influence.
8. What did Portuguese explorers exchange for African goods?
   Textiles and firearms.
9. Which other early missionaries contributed to education in Nigeria?
   Birch Freeman, Samuel Bill, and Henry Townsend.
10. What cultural impact did early European contact have on Nigeria?
    Significant changes in traditional beliefs and practices due to missionary activities.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Review the previous lesson on European exploration and its impacts.
2. Step 2: Discuss the early European contact with West Africa, focusing on the Great Benin Empire and key figures.
3. Step 3: Allow students to ask questions and express their thoughts on the implications of these contacts.

Teacher’s Activities

• Use maps and visual aids to illustrate trade routes and key historical figures.
• Facilitate discussions on the consequences of early contact on Nigerian society.

Learners’ Activities

• Engage in group discussions about the significance of early European contact.
• Create a timeline of key events and figures related to early European exploration in Nigeria.

Assessment

• Identify one impact of early European contact on the Benin Empire.
• Discuss the role of one missionary in shaping education in Nigeria.

Evaluation Questions

1. What year did the Portuguese first arrive in the Benin Empire?
2. Name one major export from the Great Benin Empire.
3. Who was a notable British merchant involved in trade in Nigeria?
4. What was Mary Slessor’s contribution to Nigerian society?
5. How did early European contact affect trade in West Africa?
6. What was the primary goal of early European missionaries?
7. Describe one impact of Portuguese exploration on the Benin Empire.
8. Who were some early European missionaries in Nigeria?
9. What goods did the Portuguese seek from Africa?
10. Why is it important to study early European contact with Nigeria?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points of early European contact with West Africa and Nigeria, highlighting the trade relationships and missionary efforts that shaped Nigerian society.