Early European Contact with Africa – JSS3 Nigerian History Lesson Note (First Term)

Background to European Exploration of West Africa

The European exploration of West Africa was primarily driven by a quest for new trade routes to Asia, especially after the Ottoman Empire blocked traditional overland routes. Additionally, European nations sought to expand their wealth and power through the acquisition of valuable resources and territories.

Reasons for European Activities

1. Trade and Commerce: European nations sought access to valuable goods such as gold, ivory, and spices, which were abundant in West Africa.
2. Expansion and Colonization: European powers aimed to expand their territories and influence in order to compete with one another for global dominance. Colonization provided access to resources, cheap labor, and strategic military bases.
3. Spread of Christianity: Some European explorers and missionaries viewed Africa as a target for Christian evangelism, leading to the establishment of missionary outposts and the spread of Christianity.
4. Technological Superiority: European nations believed they had superior technology and military strength, enabling them to dominate and exploit the indigenous peoples of West Africa.

Articles of Trade and Early Commercial Relations

The articles of trade between Nigerian peoples and Europeans varied but included:

• Gold: West Africa was rich in gold, which was highly sought after by European traders.
• Ivory: Elephant tusks were another valuable commodity traded with Europeans.
• Slaves: Sadly, the transatlantic slave trade became a significant part of early commercial relations, with millions of Africans being forcibly taken to the Americas as slaves.
• Palm Oil: Palm oil was a major export from Nigeria to Europe and became a key commodity in the trade relationship.

Impact of European Contact on Coastal Peoples of Nigeria

The impact of European contact on coastal peoples of Nigeria was profound and multifaceted:

1. Economic Disruption: Traditional trading patterns were disrupted as European traders introduced new goods and markets. This often led to the marginalization of local traders and artisans.
2. Social Disruption: The slave trade devastated communities, leading to the loss of countless lives and the breakdown of traditional social structures.
3. Cultural Exchange: European contact brought about cultural exchanges, with some elements of European culture being adopted by coastal peoples, while indigenous cultures influenced Europeans as well.
4. Political Instability: European colonization led to the imposition of colonial administrations, often resulting in political instability and conflict within Nigerian societies.
5. Health Impact: European contact introduced new diseases to which coastal peoples had no immunity, leading to widespread illness and population decline.

EVALUATION: 

1. Describe the European exploration of west Africa

1. Identify 4 reasons for European activities
2. Identify 5 articles of trade
3. Describe the impact of European contact on coastal people of Nigeria. Mention 3 reasons

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively