Description
In this landmark new history, Toyin Falola analyses the impact of Britain's colonization of Nigeria from the late nineteenth century to 1960, when the country regained independence. Falola covers major events in depth, from the initial conquest and denial of Indigenous sovereignty, to the emergence and functioning of the colonial state, and later nationalist movements, offering fascinating insights into labour and trade relations, regionalism and nationalism, and Nigeria's role during the First and Second World Wars. Understanding Colonial Nigeria assesses the economic, political, social, and cultural changes that culminated in the emergence of a coalition of diverse groups agitating for the end of colonial rule from the 1940s – from labor coalitions and politicians to youth groups and market women. From the country's borders and state structure, to the present conflicts, Falola powerfully reflects on the lasting consequences of British intervention in the affairs of Nigerian states and communities.
Table of Contents
Part I. Introduction: 1. The colonial archives and alternative voices; 2. Narrating colonial Nigeria; Part II. Conquest and Colonization: 3. Peoples and states in the nineteenth century; 4. Prelude to colonization: trade and missions; 5. Lagos and the Niger area; 6. Conquest and reactions; 7. Administrative experimentation, boundary formation, and colonial consolidation, 1900–1914; Part III. Colonial Societies: 8. The First World War and its aftermath; 9. The interwar years; 10. Indirect rule and the native administration; 11. Administration of justice, legal system, and law enforcement; 12. Colonial economy; 13. Western education; 14. Social changes; 15. Women; 16. Religions; 17. Health and medicine; 18. Cultures; 19. Urbanization; 20. Creativity and aesthetics; Part IV. Nationalism and Independence: 21. Reform movements before 1940; 22. The Second World War and its aftermath; 23. Trade unions and politics; 24. Party politics and personalities; 25. Constitutions and the emergence of federalism; 26. Regionalism and politics in the 1950s; Part V. Conclusion: 27. Colonial legacies.
