Positive And Negative Effects Of British Imperialism In Nigeria
British Imperialism in Nigeria was negative, due to it causing the majority of ethnic conflits in Nigera. By drawing borders without concern for ethno-linguistic groups, Britain exacerbated cultural tensions. Groups in direct opposition to one another were united under British rule (Textbook). Furthermore, Britain exacerbated cultural tensions, despite their indirect rule.By recognizing Hausa as the official language, indirect rule gave the Hausa-fulani domination even over diverse ethnic groups, worsening ethnic tensions (Mini-Lecture: British Indirect Rule in Nigeria). Even when Nigeria gained independence in 1960, ethnic conflicts culminated in the Nigerian Civil War, when Biafra tried to secceed from Nigeria (Civil War : Nigeria). The attempted
succession of the Biafra minority lead to famines and genocide commited agains the Igbo minorities. Even after the end of the Civil War, the Biafra still see inequality, and ethnic conflict still persists. All of this conflict resulted directly from the British, since the improper drawing of borders and prefereance for one ethnic group over another lead to the unstable socio-political conditions seen today.
succession of the Biafra minority lead to famines and genocide commited agains the Igbo minorities. Even after the end of the Civil War, the Biafra still see inequality, and ethnic conflict still persists. All of this conflict resulted directly from the British, since the improper drawing of borders and prefereance for one ethnic group over another lead to the unstable socio-political conditions seen today.