Nigeria contains more historical cultures and empires than any other nation in Africa dating back to 5th Century AD
The first people of Nigeria are the Nok People whose influence spread throughout Africa
By the 18th century many groups had populated the region that is Nigeria today Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Falani, Ife, Benin,
and Sokoto
British interest in the Nigeria region begins as early as 1806
1821- British government sponsors an expedition south of the Sahara dessert to the Lake Chad region through Hausa territory
1830- British explore along the Niger river to the cost at Lagos
British spend the rest of the century establishing trading relationships with tribes along the Niger River and along the coast.Oil River Region- Palm Oil valuable trading
product
1884- Berlin Conference- Niger River Region falls to the British in the Scramble for Africa
1900- Royal Niger Company loses charter in the region ending British indirect rule in the region
Region divided in Southern Nigeria and Protectorate of Northern Nigeria
1914- Region is united into Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
What effect do you think World War II is going to have on British control in Nigeria?
After WWII demands for political power begin to take hold in Africa
1951- Nigeria is divided into 3 regions(Northern, Eastern and Western) with their own house assemblyLegislative Council for all of Nigeria
1954- new constitution forms Federation of Nigeria
1957- federal Prime Minister appointed in Nigeria
1960- Nigeria given its complete independence from British rule and begins its first attempt at democracy
What are some problems that the newly independent Nigeria may face?
Hausa-Fulani (North) 65% of the population in the north
Yoruba (West) 75% of the population in the southwest
Igbo (East) 60-70% of the population in the southeast
European made borders cause tribal tension in Nigeria
1966- Yakubu Gowon becomes leader of Nigeria under military control after Igbo rebellion in the EastDivides Nigeria into 12
states May 1967-Igbo people in
the east declare their independence from Nigeria and form the Republic of Biafra
July 1967- Civil War breaks out in an attempt the reunite the Republic of Biafra with Nigeria
US and Britain provide arms and aid to Nigeria while France backs Biafra
Nigerian Army meets strong resistance from Biafran rebels
Nigerian government cuts off all food supply to Biafra
600,000 people in Biafra die mostly from starvationJanuary 1970- Biafra surrenders and ceases to existNigeria is united under Military Rule until 1979