The British amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was primarily motivated by

Question

Answer 1

The British amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was primarily motivated by

A desire to promote cultural unity among the diverse ethnic groups
Pressure from the League of Nations
Economic considerations, particularly the need to make the Northern Protectorate financially viable ✓
The influence of nationalist movements

Explanation

Northern Nigeria couldn’t pay for its own administration. The South generated revenue from exports and trade. Combining them allowed the South to subsidize the North financially.

Cultural unity wasn’t a British priority; they preferred division. The League of Nations formed after WWI, later than 1914. Nationalist movements were just beginning, not influential yet.

Economics drove this decision purely. Britain wanted profitable colonies, not expensive burdens to fund.

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