How were the british able to implement their divide and rule policy in nigeria?
Answers
How did the British implement the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy in India?
Have you ever thought once how such a small island UK was able to rule almost 80%of the world population so meticulously at some or other time?
There could not be one reason behind. So, let's check them out :
1. Ever since the expedition to the sea route started: Portuguese, Dutch, French and British were the ones who were the front runners of all voyages. Fortune favours the brave and Britons were the bravest of all. Their tactical and strategical strength also kept them above par their rivals.
2. They invested a lot of money, time, and resources to look out for colonies. Plan was to go out initially as a trader and if conditions are feasible , everything works out as planned then occupation was always in the act. Britons were the most organised in these and assessed the conditions really well. They were the ones who initially used bribes/ precious gifts as a powerful tool to catch the attention of kings to grant them the rights to trade. More time they toiled around the shore, more they were getting to know the sub-continent. They found Indian people very simple, divided by castes though living cordially. They found the whole land mass divided under 600+ small states, each ruled by a ruler. There were unrest at some or other part of landmass against the rulers, who were simply autocratic.
3. Planning phase was over by 1700. Now British had started to hold their grip over India. The rulers were fighting against each other. British lent their support to the needy ones and helped them win the other hence winning their loyalty and gross compensations in return to keep protecting them. They installed their factories from Masulipatnam to Kolkata, blocking the coasts to curtail any advancement of French/ Dutch there.