This KS3 history lesson investigates the impact of the British Empire on West Africa, focusing on Ghana (the Gold Coast) and Nigeria. Students will explore life before colonisation, including the rich cultures and trade of the Ashanti, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, and Igbo peoples, and learn how Britain gradually took control through treaties, wars, and annexations.

Pupils will examine how British rule reshaped trade, turning West Africa into a major exporter of cocoa, palm oil, and gold, while keeping most profits in British hands. They will also analyse how society was organised under colonial rule, including indirect rule in the north, direct rule in the south, racial inequality, and limited education. Finally, learners will follow the story of independence movements, from the Accra Riots to leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, and judge whether British rule brought progress or decline.

Part of my complete British Empire series – see my TES shop for more lessons on India, the Caribbean, China, the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.