History Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2020

Question 4

 

 

Outline any five reasons for the British conquest and annexation of Lagos between 1851 and 1861

Observation

 

 

This was a popular question. The performance of candidates that attempted the question was poor as they didn’t understand the demands of the question.

 

They are to provide the following points in order to score good marks.

 

  • The British wanted to stop slave dealers from transporting slaves from the interior to Lagos during the Yoruba Civil Wars.
  • They saw Lagos as a strategic place for the development and promotion of legitimate trade.
  • Pressure from the British nationals, missionaries and liberated slaves who lived in Lagos, Badagry and Abeokuta.
  • Chieftaincy dispute between Akintoye and Dosunmu.
  • Re-introduction of slave trade by Oba Dosunmu when he became Oba of Lagos.
  • Their desire to control the source of palm oil in the interior.
  • Their determination to stop French incursion along the coast line.