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