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Location of British West Africa.

British West Africa was the collective name for British colonies in West Africa during the colonial period, either in the general geographical sense or more specifically those comprised in a formal colonial administrative entity. The United Kingdom colonised varying parts of these territories or the whole from the late 1780s until the 1960s.

Historical jurisdiction

British West Africa or the British West African Settlements constituted during two periods (17 October 1821 until its first dissolution on 13 January 1850 and again 19 February 1866 till its final demise on 24 November 1888) an administrative entity under a governor-in-chief (comparable in rank to a Governor-general), an office vested in the governor of Sierra Leone (at Freetown).

The various colonies were established to aid the efforts of the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron wresting of control from various polities' resources, cultures, and highly profitable exports. Coaling stations and depots were built in the coastal villages and because many people lost their lands, businesses, and livelihoods, low wage jobs that were created as a result of resource exploitation were all that was left for many from the the local population. Consequently, regional immigrants looking to start a new life joined the population, adding to the expansion of preexisting existing cities and villages.

The other colonies originally included in the jurisdiction were the Gambia and the British Gold Coast (modern Ghana). Nigeria as a whole never was, but since the re-constitution in 1866 its nucleus, Lagos territory, was.

Flag of British West Africa

Aftermath

Even after its final dissolution, a single currency, the British West African pound, was in effect throughout the region -including Nigeria- from 1907 to 1962.

Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Sierra Leone was self-governing by 1958 and gained independence in 1960. Gambia gained independence in 1965. In 1954, the British Gold Coast was allowed by Britain to self-govern and in 1957, the Gold Coast was given independence from Britain, under the name Ghana.

See also

• Royal West African Frontier Force
• Scramble for Africa

Sources and references

• WorldStatesmen- Sierra Leone- British West Africa

Category:Former British colonies Category:History of the Gambia Category:West Africa Category:History of Sierra Leone Category:History of Nigeria Category:History of Ghana