Nigeria's Initial Conquest

What, how, and why?


In the 1800s, the British conquered Nigeria during the scramble for Africa (C). They took over the country by using a strategic approach. First, they claimed the island of Lagos (just off the coast of Nigeria) and set up a trade station there (F). The British monopolized the palm-oil trade, giving them increased control over the country since that was one of their main commodities (B). Eventually, Lagos became a British colony in 1861 (F) because they started to control how the oil trading would run (A). However, taking over the rest of Nigeria was another task. The British knew they had to be strategic, so they made Lagos their center for political and economic influence on the people of Nigeria (F). The basic British influence included ceasing the slave trade (B), becoming interested in the palm-oil trade (D),and introducing new religions to the Nigerians.


The Protectorates


The Protectorates were agreements of Britain's rule over Nigeria. The first protectorate, the Oil Rivers Protectorate, covered Lagos and all areas pertaining to the oil trade (A). The second protectorate was called the Niger Coast Protectorate(A). This ensured that all of the coast of Nigeria was under Britain's control. Finally, the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria was established which gave Britain rule over the entire northern section of Nigeria (see map) (A). This was followed by the protectorate of South Nigeria (A).


Now, the entirety of Nigeria was under Britain's control!