What was the purpose of the Benin punitive expedition?
What was the purpose of the Benin punitive expedition?
On 12 January 1897, Rear-Admiral Harry Rawson, commander of the Royal Navy forces at the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa Station, was appointed by the Admiralty to lead a force to invade the Kingdom of Benin, capture the Benin Oba and destroy Benin City. The operation was named the Benin Punitive Expedition.
Who launched the Punitive Expedition of 1897?
Admiral Sir Harry Rawson
The Benin Expedition of 1897 was a punitive expedition by a United Kingdom force of 1,200 under Admiral Sir Harry Rawson in response to the defeat of a previous British-led invasion force under Acting Consul General James Philips (which had left all but two men dead).
What important event happened in Benin City in 1897?
James Phillips, an official in Britain’s Niger Coast Protectorate, led an unarmed trading expedition to Benin City in January 1897. To prevent the British party from interfering with annual royal rituals, some chiefs, acting against Oba Ovonramwen’s wishes, ordered the expedition attacked.
Why did the British invaded Benin?
In the 19th century, disputes over trade led to strain between Benin and its chief trading partner, Great Britain. This escalated as the European powers moved to divide Africa into colonial territories.
Who was the Oba of Benin in 1897?
Ovonramwen Nogbaisi
Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (ruled 1888–1897), also called Overami, was the Ọba (king) of the Kingdom of Benin up until the British punitive expedition of 1897.
What is Benin called now?
the Republic of Benin
The country’s name was officially changed to the Republic of Benin on 1 March 1990, after the newly formed government’s constitution was completed.
Who named Benin?
Later history The Portuguese who arrived in an expedition led by João Afonso de Aveiro in 1485 would refer to it as Benin and the centre would become known as Benin City.
What is the oldest city in Nigeria?
City of Benin
City of Benin, the oldest city in Nigeria. One of the oldest harbours documented in Southern Africa. According to the Pate Chronicle, the town of Pate was founded by refugees from Oman in the 8th century.
What language is Edo?
Edo /ˈɛdoʊ/ (with diacritics, Ẹ̀dó), also called Bini (Benin), is a language spoken in Edo State, Nigeria. It is the native language of the Edo people and was the primary language of the Benin Empire and its predecessor, Igodomigodo.
Which tribe does Edo belong to?
Edoid peoples
Edo State is a diverse state that is predominantly inhabited by the Edoid peoples, including the Edo (or Bini), Esan, Owan and Afemai people. The most common Edoid language spoken is the Edo language, which is commonly spoken in Benin City.
Why do Edo cover their mouth?
According to Benin tradition, Oba of Benin is the Monach of Benin Kingdom, people are not supposed to see the Oba’s teeth so he doesn’t smile in public. 3. His wives covering their mouths as a sign of submission.