Colonial Nigeria refers to the period when Nigeria was under British rule, starting in the late 19th century and lasting until 1960. The British established control through a series of treaties and military conquests, leading to the amalgamation of the northern and southern regions in 1914. This period saw significant changes in governance, economy, and society, with the introduction of Western education and Christianity. During colonial rule, the British exploited Nigeria's resources, including cocoa, groundnuts, and palm oil. The colonial administration implemented indirect rule, using local leaders to maintain control. This system often disrupted traditional governance and led to social tensions, setting the stage for Nigeria's eventual struggle for independence.