Ever wondered why so many stories about Nigeria's past paint British colonialism as some kind of benevolent adventure? Max Siollun's What Britain Did to Nigeria cuts through that fog with a sharp, no-nonsense look at the conquest and rule that reshaped a nation.
Traditional accounts, often penned by colonial officials, frame it all as ridding Africans of 'barbaric' practices like slavery and human sacrifice. But Siollun argues there's little nobility there. Instead, picture extreme violence sweeping across communities, with British forces exploiting ethnic and religious divides to tighten their grip. Long-standing legal systems and social structures? Forcefully dismantled, leaving scars that twist Nigeria's politics and culture to this day.
Today's headlines about economic woes or political instability in Nigeria often blame internal issues. Siollun flips the script: many stem directly from colonial meddling. Britain didn't just rule; it engineered divisions and crises that Nigerians still grapple with decades after independence. It's a head-on confrontation with history, backed by fresh insights that make you question everything you thought you knew.
Siollun writes with clarity and conviction, blending meticulous research with compelling narrative. You'll feel the weight of decisions made in distant boardrooms, see how they played out in villages and cities alike. Whether you're Nigerian tracing your roots, a history buff curious about empire's underbelly, or just someone who likes stories that challenge the status quo, this paperback packs a punch.
Grab it if you want a book that doesn't just inform but provokes thought. At around 300 pages, it's accessible yet deep—ideal for bedtime reading or book club debates. Nigeria's story under Britain was no fairy tale; this is the gritty reality that demands to be heard.
