Question
Analyze the independence history of Nigeria. Which of the following contexts contributed the most to the outbreak of civil war in 1967?(1 point) Responses World War II World War II influence from the Cold War influence from the Cold War the influence of Asian independence movements the influence of Asian independence movements the legacy of colonialism the legacy of colonialism
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 was primarily influenced by the legacy of colonialism. While World War II, the Cold War, and the Asian independence movements played roles in shaping Nigeria's political landscape, the divisions and tensions that were exacerbated during the colonial period had the most significant impact on the events leading to the civil war.
### Analysis of Influences:
1. **Legacy of Colonialism:**
- Nigeria was subjected to indirect rule, with ethnic divisions strategically manipulated by colonial authorities. Policies promoted competition and rivalry among the major ethnic groups (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani), leading to deep-seated mistrust and a lack of national cohesion.
- The deracination and fragmentation of Nigerian society under colonial rule set the stage for the ethnic and regional strife that would manifest in the civil war.
2. **World War II:**
- Although World War II did influence Nigeria by integrating it more into the global economy and political discourse, its direct impact on the civil strife that erupted later was less significant compared to the ethnic tensions distilled during colonial times.
3. **Cold War:**
- The Cold War context created broader ideological conflicts but did not have a direct role in inciting the Nigerian Civil War. The influence of superpowers on Nigeria's politics came into play later, particularly during the military regimes post-civil war.
4. **Asian Independence Movements:**
- While the independence movements in Asia provided a global context for decolonization, Nigeria's specific ethnic and political divisions were shaped by its unique colonial history rather than by external examples.
### Conclusion:
In summary, while multiple factors contributed to the context leading up to the Nigerian Civil War, the **legacy of colonialism** is the most critical element, as it formed the ethnic divisions and political dynamics that resulted in the conflict.
### Analysis of Influences:
1. **Legacy of Colonialism:**
- Nigeria was subjected to indirect rule, with ethnic divisions strategically manipulated by colonial authorities. Policies promoted competition and rivalry among the major ethnic groups (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani), leading to deep-seated mistrust and a lack of national cohesion.
- The deracination and fragmentation of Nigerian society under colonial rule set the stage for the ethnic and regional strife that would manifest in the civil war.
2. **World War II:**
- Although World War II did influence Nigeria by integrating it more into the global economy and political discourse, its direct impact on the civil strife that erupted later was less significant compared to the ethnic tensions distilled during colonial times.
3. **Cold War:**
- The Cold War context created broader ideological conflicts but did not have a direct role in inciting the Nigerian Civil War. The influence of superpowers on Nigeria's politics came into play later, particularly during the military regimes post-civil war.
4. **Asian Independence Movements:**
- While the independence movements in Asia provided a global context for decolonization, Nigeria's specific ethnic and political divisions were shaped by its unique colonial history rather than by external examples.
### Conclusion:
In summary, while multiple factors contributed to the context leading up to the Nigerian Civil War, the **legacy of colonialism** is the most critical element, as it formed the ethnic divisions and political dynamics that resulted in the conflict.