During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Empire expanded its colonial ambitions to the southern territories of present-day Nigeria. The use of force by the British military in campaigns, expeditions, and in quelling resistance often resulted in significant loss of life – the true extent of which has too often been swept under the rug.
For although the casualties on the British side were thoroughly documented, the number of the Nigerian victims remains largely unknown. Who were these people who died under the occupation? Were there women and children among the dead? And under which prevailing political circumstances were they killed?
John Igbino intends to fill this knowledge gap with this publication. He has sourced and analyzed a vast number of mainly unpublished archival documents, examining the complicated relationship between Indigenous opposition and occupiers and the ensuing misconduct. Igbino’s research facilitates a more thorough and nuanced understanding of Britain’s malpractice in British West Africa and the political situation at the time, and tells the stories of those, who have been disregarded in British historiography.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Chapter 1: Aro
- Chapter 2: Ogoni
- Chapter 3: Asaba Hinterland
- Chapter 4: Ogwashi-Uku
- Chapter 5: Afikpo
- Chapter 6: Kwa
- Chapter 7: Igarra
- Chapter 8: Ibibioland
- Chapter 9: Ishan
- Chapter 10: Kwale
- Chapter 11: Onitsha Hinterland
- Chapter 12: Munshi
- Chapter 13: Egbaland: Slaves No More
- Chapter 14: Iseyin
- Chapter 15: Abakaliki
- Chapter 16: Owerri
- Chapter 17: Okigwi
- Chapter 18: Ekwi
- Chapter 19: Awka
- Chapter 20: Achengwa
- Chapter 21: Owa
- Chapter 22: Jodi of Ezekwe
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The primary objective of this book is to document the number of individuals killed and the political circumstances surrounding Britain's imposition and consolidation of its rule over the land that became Southern Nigeria. The book aims to explore previously unexplored aspects of this history, particularly focusing on the period between 1900 and 1930.
- Britain's military campaigns and occupation of Southern Nigeria
- The consequences of British governance in Southern Nigeria
- The impact of British military tactics on the indigenous population
- The political and social landscape of Southern Nigeria during the early 20th century
- The historical narrative of British colonialism and its impact on Southern Nigeria
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The book provides detailed accounts of Britain's military operations in various regions of Southern Nigeria, including:
- Chapter 1: Aro: This chapter explores Britain's military expedition against the Aro people, highlighting the strategic importance of their territory and the motives behind the British intervention.
- Chapter 2: Ogoni: This chapter examines the Ogoni Expeditions, shedding light on the complexities of the conflict and the strategies employed by both sides.
- Chapter 3: Asaba Hinterland: This chapter delves into the military operations in the Asaba Hinterland, highlighting the challenges faced by British forces in establishing control over the region.
- Chapter 4: Ogwashi-Uku: This chapter focuses on the events surrounding the occupation of Ogwashi-Uku, exploring the impact of British rule on the local population.
- Chapter 5: Afikpo: This chapter examines the British campaign in Afikpo, highlighting the resistance encountered and the consequences of the occupation.
- Chapter 6: Kwa: This chapter delves into the British military operations in the Kwa region, providing insights into the changing dynamics of power and control.
- Chapter 7: Igarra: This chapter explores the events surrounding the occupation of Igarra, highlighting the strategies employed by the British and the responses of the local people.
- Chapter 8: Ibibioland: This chapter examines the British military campaigns in Ibibioland, highlighting the complex relationships between different groups and the impact of British intervention.
- Chapter 9: Ishan: This chapter explores the occupation of Ishan, providing insights into the political and social transformations brought about by British rule.
- Chapter 10: Kwale: This chapter examines the Kwale Expeditions, highlighting the challenges faced by the British in securing control over the region.
- Chapter 11: Onitsha Hinterland: This chapter explores the British military operations and patrols in the Onitsha Hinterland, shedding light on the strategies employed to establish control.
- Chapter 12: Munshi: This chapter delves into the British military expeditions and punitive patrols in the Munshi region, highlighting the complexities of the conflict and the consequences for the local population.
- Chapter 13: Egbaland: Slaves No More: This chapter examines the events leading up to and following the abolition of slavery in Egbaland, highlighting the significance of this historical moment.
- Chapter 14: Iseyin: This chapter explores the British occupation of Iseyin, highlighting the impact of British rule on the local society.
- Chapter 15: Abakaliki: This chapter examines the British military campaign in Abakaliki, shedding light on the resistance encountered and the consequences for the local people.
- Chapter 16: Owerri: This chapter explores the British occupation of Owerri, highlighting the political and social transformations brought about by British rule.
- Chapter 17: Okigwi: This chapter examines the British military operations in Okigwi, shedding light on the challenges faced by the British in establishing control.
- Chapter 18: Ekwi: This chapter explores the British military campaign in Ekwi, highlighting the complexities of the conflict and the impact on the local population.
- Chapter 19: Awka: This chapter examines the British occupation of Awka, highlighting the political and social changes that resulted.
- Chapter 20: Achengwa: This chapter explores the British military operations in Achengwa, shedding light on the strategies employed and the consequences for the local people.
- Chapter 21: Owa: This chapter examines the British occupation of Owa, highlighting the impact of British rule on the local society.
- Chapter 22: Jodi of Ezekwe: This chapter explores the events surrounding the Jodi of Ezekwe, highlighting the significance of this event in the broader context of British colonialism.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key concepts and topics explored in this book include British colonialism, Southern Nigeria, military expeditions, political control, indigenous resistance, casualties, historical documentation, and the consequences of British governance.
- Quote paper
- John Igbino (Author), 2023, Britain's Killing Fields. Southern Nigeria 1900 - 1930, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1355336