ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1968, this book became the standard work on the colonial period in the vast and varied areas of the coast and hinterland of West Africa. It is a comprehensive survey of the domination of West Africa by the British and the French, which challenges the accepted view of the colonialists that their rule was generally beneficial. Penetrating descriptions of the colonial economic system are given, and the quality of colonial administration is analysed, as well as the impact of two World Wars.

part I|66 pages

West Africa and colonial rule

chapter 1|20 pages

Introduction

chapter 3|22 pages

Background to the Scramble

part II|95 pages

The European occupation of West Africa

part III|76 pages

The establishment of colonial rule

chapter 1|9 pages

Administration in theory and practice

chapter 2|24 pages

The administration of French West Africa

chapter 3|19 pages

British administration in West Africa

chapter 4|22 pages

Indirect rule in practice

part IV|32 pages

The Germans and West Africa

chapter 1|11 pages

Togo, the model colony

chapter 2|19 pages

West Africa and the 1914–18 War

part V|61 pages

The colonial economy

chapter 2|15 pages

Lebanese and monopolists

part VI|69 pages

Social change

chapter 1|10 pages

Migration and the new towns

chapter 2|11 pages

The economic impact of colonial rule

chapter 3|16 pages

Islam and Christianity

chapter 4|21 pages

Western Education

chapter 5|9 pages

The Colonial European

part VII|109 pages

The beginnings of modern African politics

chapter 1|28 pages

The origins of protest

chapter 2|21 pages

French West African politics, 1919–39

chapter 3|28 pages

Politics in British West Africa, 1920–39