AN ECONOMIC HISTORY THAT OVERLOOKS THE TRUISM OF SLAVERY AND EXPLOITATION IN NIGERIA AND OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES
By Eugene Nweke
In Section 2 of the book “Economic History Made Simple” by Bernard J. Smalles, published in 1975, the author discusses Britain’s transformation into the “Workshop of the World” between 1830 and 1914. While Smalles provides valuable insights into Britain’s economic development, his narrative overlooks the significant role of exploitation and slavery in African countries, particularly Nigeria.
Smalles attributes Britain’s economic growth to its industrialization, technological advancements, and laissez-faire policies. However, he fails to acknowledge the dark underbelly of this progress: the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and exploitation of African resources. The wealth and supremacy Britain enjoyed during this period were built on the backs of enslaved Africans and the plunder of their resources.
The legacy of slavery and exploitation still haunts many African countries, including Nigeria. The scars of physical and emotional trauma inflicted on African people remain unhealed, and the environmental devastation caused by colonialism and exploitation persists.
Moreover, Smalles’ narrative neglects to mention the sophisticated forms of economic exploitation and neocolonialism that Britain and other European powers have employed in Africa since the end of formal colonialism. The amalgamation of diverse ethnic groups into a single entity called “Nigeria” in 1914, without regard for their rights to self-determination, is a prime example of this exploitation.
Today, Nigeria grapples with the consequences of this forced amalgamation, including heightened uncertainties, religious conflicts, tribalism, nepotism, corruption and separatism.
In conclusion, while Britain’s economic history is a complex and multifaceted topic, it is essential to acknowledge the role of slavery, exploitation, and colonialism in shaping its development. By omitting these crucial aspects, Smalles’ narrative presents an incomplete and sanitized version of history.
Dr. Eugene Nweke
Is a Maritime consultant and a registered Freight Forwarding practitioner and trainer with 35yrs experience.
He is presently, the Head of Research @ Sea Empowerment and Research Center and Secretary @ Customs Consultative Committee – CCC.
For ease of reference and reading pleasure, find the full extract of
Section 2 of the book, “Economic History Made Simple” authored by Bernard J. Smalles and published in 1975, titled as:
“BRITAIN AS THE WORKSHOP OF THE WORLD
1830-1914.
“In 1830 Britain was undergoing the transition from being a primarily agricultural and commercial economy to becoming the first modern industrial state in the world, an experience which brought fundamental changes both to her outlook and physical appearance.
By 1914 railways had welded the country into one economic unit, green country has been turned into towns and suburbs, the population had grown in leaps and bounds, and the North of England became for the first time the most densely inhabited part of the Kingdom.
Manufacturing became relatively more important than the primary sectors of the economy, and services directly supporting industry such as transport, trade, banking, insurance and finance were developed.
Vast sums of money accumulated for profitable investment both at home and overseas. Thus Britain played a vital role in the development of the international economy, which in turn stimulated foreign competition and created a challenge to her economic supremacy in the last quarter and created a challenge to her economic supremacy in the last quarter of the nineteenth century.
The material progress made in this period was firmly based on the belief that the best results were achieved in an atmosphere of free competition and laissez faire. Resourcefulness, determination and ‘self-help’ were advocated as the key to success in an industrial world.
In this laissez faire atmosphere great progress and riches were made, but the wealth was very unevenly distributed, and there was much social injustice, as well as considerable pollution of the environment.”.
