Picture this: generations raised on tales of a benevolent British Empire bringing light to 'dark' Africa. But what if that narrative is mostly fiction? Max Siollun's What Britain Did to Nigeria: A Short History of Conquest and Rule dives deep, stripping away the nostalgia to reveal a story of raw power, violence, and lasting scars.
Traditional accounts, penned by colonial officials, paint Britain as saviors ending slavery and superstition. Siollun shows the other side—extreme brutality used to impose control. Sure, some harmful practices faded, but at what cost? Forced changes to age-old laws and social structures ripped apart communities, sowing seeds of division that persist.
Britain didn't just conquer; they played identities like chess pieces. Ethnic and religious tensions were stoked deliberately to keep Nigerians fragmented and easier to rule. This wasn't accidental— it was strategy. The book details how these tactics remolded internal politics, creating fault lines that erupted post-independence.
Today's economic woes and political instability? Many trace back to colonial blueprints. Siollun argues convincingly that Britain left behind crises not of Nigeria's making—from rigged economies to manipulated governance. It's a head-on reckoning, backed by sharp analysis and fresh insights.
Grab it if you're Nigerian seeking pride in unfiltered history, a history buff craving depth, or anyone curious about colonialism's true face. Read it on a quiet evening; it'll shift how you see global power dynamics. Conversations spark, perspectives widen— that's the quiet power here. No sugarcoating, just clarity on how one nation's rule reshaped another forever.
At around 300 pages, it's thorough yet accessible, blending narrative punch with scholarly weight. If you've pondered why Africa’s post-colonial story feels so turbulent, this delivers answers without preaching.
