How did the Benin Kingdom decline and fall?

Benin was led by a powerful Oba (King) who had a key role in state and religious matters.

Its territory expanded under Oba Euware the Great.

It reached its largest size under Oba Orhogbua from beyond the River Niger in the east and into the modern country of Ghana.

Benin traded different goods with European nations from the 15th century onwards.

Important words on the decline and fall of the Kingdom of Benin.

After the five great warrior kings, the power of the Oba declined so the kingdom became weaker.

There were arguments over who should become the next Oba.

There was civil war (a war between different groups from within the same country) in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries between rivals from within the kingdom.

Benin had become wealthy through trade and the chiefs who managed trade kept more of this wealth.

This declined (to reduce or get smaller) the influence and power of the Oba.

Benin had become wealthy (rich) from trade with European nations such as Portugal, the Netherlands and Britain.

They had exported goods like pepper and palm oil.

They imported metals and some weapons.

In the 18th and 19th century, European nations tried to take more control over other trade goods like ivory, pepper and palm oil.

This meant Benin was less wealthy.

Britain and other European countries had grown enormous empires (an area of land that is ruled by a single person or country) in the 19th century and they wanted to control the resources and people of parts of Africa.

Britain took Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and what is now known as Nigeria.

Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi was pressured to sign a treaty in 1892 to extend British influence over trade, though the Oba didn't follow it and continued to control trade through his kingdom.

In January, 1897, a British expedition sent to persuade the Oba to follow the treaty was attacked on route to meet with the Oba (who had told them he was celebrating a religious festival and so couldn't travel) and most of the expedition were killed.

In revenge, British soldiers then attacked and looted Benin city in 1897.

The kingdom became part of the British Empire, and many valuable objects were taken which can now be seen in museums around the world.

Have a look at the thinking points below and think about your answer to each question. You could even write them down on a piece of paper or discuss them with somebody else if you want to.

• Why did the power of the Oba decline?

• Why did Britain want to control parts of Africa?

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