Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: Second Term
Week: 7
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: European Expansion and Imperialism
Previous Lesson: British Colonization Of Nigeria: Regional Governance, Governors, Administration And Society.
Topic: THE ERA OF NEW IMPERIALISM (BRITISH IMPERIALISM IN NIGERIA).
Subject Matter: Era of New Imperialism period 1 January 1900 to 1 January 1914, British economic drive in Nigeria, various kinds of taxes including poll tax and trade on cash crops, maps area population and currency context for the period.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define the Era of New Imperialism.
Identify the specific timeframe of the New Imperialism era in Nigeria (1900-1914).
Describe the economic motivations behind British imperialism in Nigeria.
Explain the different types of taxes introduced by the British colonial administration.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the impact of colonial economic policies on Nigerian communities.
Recognize the reasons why European powers engaged in New Imperialism.

Psychomotor Domain:

Locate on a map areas significant to British economic activities in Nigeria during the period.
Research further on the specific details of colonial taxation and trade.

Discuss the historical context of British economic drive in Nigeria.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for History.
State Unified Scheme of Work for History JSS3.
Akinwumi, A. (2010). Comprehensive History for Junior Secondary Schools 3. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
Relevant educational websites.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Historical maps of Nigeria showing colonial territories.
Charts illustrating different types of colonial taxes.
Textbooks and workbooks on Nigerian history.
Pictures or diagrams related to colonial trade and administration.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand a significant period in Nigerian history when British influence intensified economically. It enables pupils to connect historical events with present-day economic structures and appreciate the origins of certain administrative practices.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of Nigeria’s pre-colonial societies and early European contact.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Era of New Imperialism (British Imperialism in Nigeria)

Definition of New Imperialism

New Imperialism refers to a period of intensified colonial expansion by European powers, particularly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It involved the aggressive pursuit of overseas territories for economic, political, and strategic reasons.

Timeframe of the New Imperialism Era in Nigeria

In the context of British imperialism in Nigeria, the Era of New Imperialism is generally considered to be from 1 January 1900 to 1 January 1914. This period saw the consolidation of British control and the establishment of formal colonial administration leading up to the amalgamation.

British Economic Drive in Nigeria

The British economic drive in Nigeria during this era was motivated by the need for raw materials, new markets, and investment opportunities for European industries. Nigeria was seen as a source of valuable resources and an outlet for manufactured goods.

The following were key aspects of the British economic drive:

Acquisition of raw materials like palm oil, palm kernel, groundnuts, cocoa, and rubber for British industries.
Establishment of markets for British manufactured goods.
Investment opportunities for British capital in infrastructure development (e.g., railways, ports) to facilitate trade.
Control over trade routes and resources to prevent rivalry from other European powers.

Various Kinds of Taxes Introduced by the British

The British colonial administration introduced various taxes to generate revenue, support the colonial government, and encourage participation in the cash economy. These taxes were often burdensome for the local population.

The following were common types of taxes:

Poll Tax: A direct tax levied on every adult male, regardless of income or property. It was a significant source of revenue and a tool for asserting authority.
Trade on Cash Crops (Produce Tax): Taxes levied on agricultural produce meant for export, such as palm oil, groundnuts, and cocoa. This encouraged production for export but also reduced farmers’ income.
Customs Duties: Taxes imposed on imported and exported goods, which generated revenue from international trade.
Tribute/Levies: In some areas, existing tribute systems were modified and enforced by the colonial authorities.

Maps, Area Population, and Currency Context for the Period (1900-1914)

During this period, the British were consolidating their control over different protectorates (Lagos Colony, Southern Nigeria Protectorate, Northern Nigeria Protectorate) which would later be amalgamated. Maps from this era show these distinct administrative divisions.

The population was diverse, comprising numerous ethnic groups with varying social and political structures. Accurate population figures were scarce, but estimates suggest a rapidly growing population across the vast territory.

The currency context involved a transition from traditional forms of currency (like cowries, manillas) to British sterling and eventually the British West African Shilling. The introduction of colonial currency facilitated trade and tax collection within the British economic system.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall any European countries that had colonies in Africa. The teacher then introduces the topic: “The Era of New Imperialism (British Imperialism in Nigeria).”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and connect with previous knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of New Imperialism

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines New Imperialism, emphasizing its timeframe (1900-1914 in Nigeria’s context) and its characteristics, using simple language. The teacher also shows a map of Africa during the scramble for Africa.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning and period of New Imperialism.

Step 3: Discussion on British Economic Drive

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the economic motivations behind British imperialism in Nigeria, such as the need for raw materials, markets, and investment opportunities. The teacher encourages pupils to discuss how these motives shaped British actions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, offering their thoughts, and noting down key points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the economic reasons for British presence in Nigeria.

Step 4: Elaboration on Colonial Taxation

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the different types of taxes introduced by the British, such as poll tax and taxes on cash crops (produce tax), and explains their purpose and impact on the local population. Charts showing examples of these taxes can be used.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions about the taxes.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the various colonial taxes.

Step 5: Contextualizing the Period (Maps, Population, Currency)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Visualisation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses maps to show the administrative divisions of Nigeria during 1900-1914. The teacher briefly discusses the estimated population and the transition from traditional currencies to the British West African Shilling.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the maps, listen to the explanations, and note down relevant facts.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the geographical, demographic, and monetary context of the period.

Step 6: Class Activity/Group Work

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Group Collaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and asks them to discuss how the introduction of British taxes might have affected the daily lives of Nigerians at the time.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups and prepare to share their findings.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their understanding to analyze the impact of colonial policies.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define the Era of New Imperialism.
State the specific timeframe of the Era of New Imperialism in Nigeria.
Mention two economic reasons for British imperialism in Nigeria.
List two types of taxes introduced by the British colonial administration.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definition of New Imperialism, its timeframe, British economic motives, and the types of taxes introduced. The teacher gives pupils an assignment to find out more about the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Imperialism – A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
New Imperialism – A period of intensified colonial expansion by European powers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Poll Tax – A direct tax levied on every adult individual, usually male, irrespective of income.
Cash Crops – Crops grown for sale rather than for personal consumption, often for export.
Protectorate – A state that is controlled and protected by another.
Amalgamation – The process of combining or uniting multiple entities into one, as with the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide additional research questions on specific resistance movements against colonial taxation. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or use more visual aids and one-on-one explanations during class activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have updated maps of Nigeria from the specified period. Emphasize the long-term effects of these economic policies on Nigeria’s development. Encourage critical thinking about the perspectives of both the colonizers and the colonized.