Why did the British destroy Benin City?

The British used one of their favorite tactics to burn the city to the ground: deception – they claimed that the Omo n’Oba Ovonramwen had breached a treaty (they wanted to annex Benin Kingdom as a British protectorate, and the Oba refused to sign).

What did the British do to Benin?

Rawson’s troops captured and sacked Benin City, bringing to an end the Kingdom of Benin, which was eventually absorbed into colonial Nigeria….Benin Expedition of 1897.

What finally destroyed the Benin Empire?

Philips to pay a visit to Benin in January 1897, Philips and his entourages were ambushed by Benin soldiers during which he and some others lost their lives. In February, well – armed British forces invaded Benin, carried away valuable property including the Benin work art and Benin was left in total destruction.

Did the British destroy Benin?

After the Benin Massacre the British attacked Benin in an operation called the ‘Benin Punitive Expedition’ in February 1897 and the city of Benin was completely destroyed. Treasures from the Oba’s palace were stolen, thousands of people were killed and buildings were smashed and burned to the ground.

Who saved the Benin Kingdom from collapse?

Ovonramwen
At the end of the 19th century, the Kingdom of Benin had managed to retain its independence and the Ọba exercised a monopoly over trade which the British found irksome….

What happened when the British came to the Benin Kingdom in the 19th century?

When the British tried to expand their own trade in the 19th century, the Benin people killed their envoys. So in 1897 the British sent an armed expedition which captured the king of Benin, destroyed his palace and took away large quantities of sculpture and regalia, including works in wood, ivory and especially brass.

Who betrayed the Benin Kingdom?

For about two years, Ologbosere and two other chiefs – Ebohon and Oviawe – launched violent attacks against the new British government at Benin City, with secret support from local people, villages and some chiefs. The British administration, according to records, “retaliated with bloody ferocity.

What caused Oba Ovonramwen death?

Disputes over trade along the Benin River (1892–94) led to a campaign against Benin; the murder of the British acting consul general in January 1897 precipitated a full-scale military expedition, which captured Benin City in February 1897. Ovonramwen surrendered to the British in August and died in exile.