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 1: West Africa and Colonial Rule. 1. Introduction. 2. The Origins of European Imperialism and the Rise of Militant Islam 3. Background to the Scramble Part 2: The European Occupation of West Africa 1. The French Conquest of the Western Sudan 2. The completion of the French Occupation of West Africa 3. The British Occupation of Nigeria 4. The British Occupation of the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone and The Gambia Part 3: The Establishment of Colonial Rule 1. Administration in Theory and Practice 2. The Administration of French West Africa 3. British Administration in West Africa 4. Indirect Rule in Practice Part 4: The Germans and West Africa 1. Togo, the Model Colony 2. West Africa and the 1914-18 War Part 5: The Colonial Economy 1. Colonial Development and Commercial Exploitation 2. Lebanese and Monopolists 3. Government and Economy in the Inter-War Years Part 6: Social Change 1. Migration and the New Towns 2. The Economic Impact of Colonial Rule 3. Islam and Christianity 4. Western Education 5. The Colonial European Part 7: The Beginnings of Modern African Politics 1. The Origins of Protest 2. French West African Politics, 1919-39 3. Politics in British West Africa, 1920-39 4. Prelude to De-Colonisation: The Second World War. Appendices. Maps.
Biography
Michael Crowder worked for most of his adult life in West africa, mainly in Nigeria. He was visiting Professor at the University of Lagos, Professor of History at Ahmadu Bello University and founder of the Centre of Nigerial Cultural Studies. He was Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ife and visiting lecturer at the UCLA Berkeley and Columbia University. In 1964 he was made an Officer of the National Order of Senegal.
Reviews of the original edition of West Africa Under Colonial Rule:
‘A triumph of analytical argument and shrewd comment…an outstanding achievement and the book will service as a sound and stimulating work of reference for the student…’ Freda Garcourt, History
‘This is a well-constructed book…comprehensive in scope and admirably balanced in its proportions.’ D. H. Jones, African Affairs
‘One of the best introductions to the study of contemporary West Africa…’ Henri Brunschwig, Journal of African History
‘The work represents a magnificent feat of synthesis. The author has a masterful command of the extensive French and English literature…and has brilliantly managed the difficult task of discussing colonial administration…a major contribution to African history.’ The American Historical Review.
