A STUDY ON COLONIALISM AND CHANGE IN IGBOLAND: A CASE STUDY OF THE MBAISE AREA OF OWERRI DIVISION 1902-1934
A STUDY ON COLONIALISM AND CHANGE IN IGBOLAND: A CASE STUDY OF THE MBAISE AREA OF OWERRI DIVISION 1902-1934
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Date
2011-08
Authors
OKEBUGWU, Nwosu Ezekwesiri
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Abstract
This is the study of colonialism and change in Igboland, Southeastern Nigeria
with a special focus on the Mbaise area of Owerri Division from 1902 to 1934.
This study seeks to explain the nature of the changes that occurred in this area
within the elected period. The study discovered that the pre-colonial sociopolitical
and economic organizations in this area stood as an obstacle to the
British expanding imperialist interest (exploitation of human and material
resources). Consequently, these institutions were supplanted by the colonial
state. The study revealed that the imposition of the Warrant Chief System on
Igboland was to maintain those laws and order which at least ensured the
protection of the British imperialist interests. By so doing, the colonial state
solved the problem of inadequate numbers of staff and more significantly,
insufficient funds, which would have prevented the realization of the main
objective of colonialism.
The major finding of this work is that the development of the Warrant
Chief system of political administration benefited the British economically
because it reduced the cost imperialism. Therefore, colonialism proved to be
dysfunctional to the African societies in Mbaise area of Owerri division. The
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study revealed that imposition of British colonial rule led to many long-term
social, economic, and political consequences on Mbaise area.
Description
THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER IN ARTS (M.A) HISTORY
AUGUST, 2011.
Keywords
COLONIALISM AND CHANGE,, IGBOLAND,, MBAISE AREA,, OWERRI DIVISION 1902-1934