British West Africa

Definition

British West Africa refers to a collection of territories in West Africa that were controlled by the British Empire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including present-day Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. This area became significant during the period of imperial expansion as European powers competed for control over African resources and trade routes, leading to profound changes in local economies, societies, and cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The British established control over various regions in West Africa through treaties, military conquest, and trade agreements during the late 19th century.
2. Ghana, known as the Gold Coast during colonial times, was one of the first British colonies in West Africa, rich in gold and cocoa.
3. The introduction of cash crops like palm oil and cocoa transformed local economies and led to significant social changes in British West Africa.
4. Sierra Leone was founded as a settlement for freed slaves from Britain and became part of British West Africa in the 19th century.
5. The use of indirect rule allowed the British to maintain control while using existing local power structures, which impacted governance and local leadership.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of British West Africa reflect the broader trends of imperialism in the late 19th century?
  • The establishment of British West Africa is a direct reflection of the broader trends of imperialism during this time, characterized by European nations competing for control over African territories. The 'Scramble for Africa' resulted in rapid colonization as Britain and other powers sought resources and new markets. British control over regions like Nigeria and Ghana illustrates how imperial ambitions transformed economies and societies in pursuit of wealth and strategic advantage.
• Evaluate the impact of indirect rule on local governance and society in British West Africa.
  • Indirect rule significantly influenced local governance by allowing existing leaders to maintain authority while serving British interests. This system often preserved traditional power structures, but it also altered local governance dynamics by intertwining colonial policies with indigenous practices. While it may have reduced direct conflict between colonizers and locals initially, it ultimately complicated relationships between traditional leaders and their communities, leading to tensions that surfaced during anti-colonial movements.
• Analyze how the economic policies implemented in British West Africa affected both colonial powers and local populations.
  • The economic policies implemented in British West Africa focused heavily on resource extraction and cash crop production, benefiting colonial powers like Britain at the expense of local populations. This created a colonial economy that prioritized exports such as palm oil and cocoa, disrupting traditional subsistence farming practices. For local communities, this often meant increased labor demands and limited access to resources needed for self-sufficiency. The long-term consequences included social upheaval, economic dependency on colonial markets, and ultimately contributed to growing resistance movements against colonial rule.

Related terms

Scramble for Africa:

The rapid invasion, colonization, and partitioning of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.

Indirect Rule:

A colonial administration policy used by the British in which local rulers maintained their authority under the supervision of British officials.

Colonial Economy: An economic system established by colonial powers that focused on extracting resources from colonies for the benefit of the colonizers.