I. Introduction
Colonization of Africa by European countries was a monumental milestone in the development of Africa. The African community considers the impact of colonization on them to be perhaps the most important factor in understanding the present condition of the African continent and of the African people. The historical background of the colonial period in Africa may be traced back to the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade by the British in 18th century (Oduwobi, 2011).
Interest in Africa was not lost by the European when they ended the slave trade. Africa could supply Europe with raw materials and new markets for European goods. Scientists and explorers were interested in African wildlife and natural resources. European missionaries wanted to convert Africans to Christianity. Many missionaries taught European ways of …show more content…
Activities of Nigerian students in European countries contributed to nationalism in Nigeria. Students organised themselves into groups and organisations. An example of such organisation was West African Students Union (WASU) which was formed in 1925. The objective of the organisation was to encourage young Nigeria’s who were concerned about the freedom of Nigerian from external domination. Therefore the organisation was concerned with national unity against the Europeans (see Eluwa, et al. 1988). ii. The World War II contributed as an external factor to the growth of nationalism in Nigeria. This was influenced by Nigerian soldiers who were engaged during the war. This group of military man returned with new skills sets but did not have the opportunity to use them upon arrival, which the solider complained bitterly. Furthermore, the soldiers witnessed that the Europeans were not higher humans than the Africans. This lead to further national unity against the European in order to gain freedom (see Eluwa, et al.
Colonization of Africa by European countries was a monumental milestone in the development of Africa. The African community considers the impact of colonization on them to be perhaps the most important factor in understanding the present condition of the African continent and of the African people. The historical background of the colonial period in Africa may be traced back to the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade by the British in 18th century (Oduwobi, 2011).
Interest in Africa was not lost by the European when they ended the slave trade. Africa could supply Europe with raw materials and new markets for European goods. Scientists and explorers were interested in African wildlife and natural resources. European missionaries wanted to convert Africans to Christianity. Many missionaries taught European ways of …show more content…
Activities of Nigerian students in European countries contributed to nationalism in Nigeria. Students organised themselves into groups and organisations. An example of such organisation was West African Students Union (WASU) which was formed in 1925. The objective of the organisation was to encourage young Nigeria’s who were concerned about the freedom of Nigerian from external domination. Therefore the organisation was concerned with national unity against the Europeans (see Eluwa, et al. 1988). ii. The World War II contributed as an external factor to the growth of nationalism in Nigeria. This was influenced by Nigerian soldiers who were engaged during the war. This group of military man returned with new skills sets but did not have the opportunity to use them upon arrival, which the solider complained bitterly. Furthermore, the soldiers witnessed that the Europeans were not higher humans than the Africans. This lead to further national unity against the European in order to gain freedom (see Eluwa, et al.