Read by all students in class

Joseph Okpaku, "The Myth of Western Objectivity, Expertise, and Scholarship" in Joseph Okpaku, (ed.), Nigeria: Dilemma of Nationhood An African Analysis of the Biafran Conflict (Westport, Connecticut, 1972). Excerpt.  This reading, on the line between primary and secondary source, expresses scorn at outsiders who, though they possessed little knowledge of the region or the issues, were regarded as experts during the Nigerian Civil War. It is a warning to students that their first impressions are often wrong and that others have a stake in these events. 

Readings for all students in class on the continuing echoes of Biafra

            Four letter-editorials, USAfrica The Newspaper, 1999
                      "Igbos do not need any more apologies"
                    "Why we demand apology for killing of Biafrans"
                    "Apology is vital but trust is the issue"
                    "Is Biafra war too sensitive to discuss?"

Biafran Goals
         The Biafran Declaration of Independence (May 27, 1967)
Nigerian Goals
         General Gowon’s victory message to Nigeria, (1/15/70), "The Dawn of National Reconciliation"
Global Concerns [Public Statements]:
            1. Charles DeGaulle, September 9, 1968 (press conference statement)
            2. Margery Perham, a European researcher who regards herself as a friend of Nigeria,
                    [Radio broadcast to General Ojukwu, leader of Biafra, September 7, 1968]
            3. The Church of England on arms supplies, August 18, 1967 (official statement)
            4.  Joint Statement of theWorld Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church,
                    March 20, 1968
            5. "Thirty-Nine Accusations" a propaganda pamphlet issued in 1968 from Enugu, Biafra
Statement of Causes
      Chinua Achebe, "The African Writer and the Biafran Cause," 1968 (speech)

"Manifesto for Presentation to the United Nations Conference, San Francisco, April, 1945"

U. S. Declaration of Independence

 Readings divided up among team members:

Creating Identity in a Colonial World--the role of literature

Ogali E. Ogali, "Veronica Makes Up Her Mind" excerpt from a play to exemplify Igbo market Literature

Denouncing Europe’s Role in Africa

Speeches in England by Nnamdi Azikwe, 1947, 1948, 1949

Criticisms of the Role of Northern Nigeria in the creation of Nigeria

Arthur Nwankwo and Samuel Ifejik, Biafra: The Making of a Nation, 1969 (excerpts)

Readings for all students in class on general African aspirations for independence

G. T. Basden, Among the Ibos of Nigeria, 1921 (excerpts from a travel account)

Indirect rule in West Africa

Lord Malcolm Hailey, Native Administration and Political Development in British West Africa (London, 1943). Excerpt.

Robert Delavignette, Freedom and Authority in French West Africa (London, 1940).

Excerpts for comparison.

Early Political Organization

Obafemi Awolowo on the organization of the Nigerian Youth Movement from Awo:The Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1960). Excerpt

 Riot or Rebellion: The Women’s Market Rebellion of 1929

Margery Perham, Native Administration in Nigeria (London, 1937). Excerpt

 Early Impressions of Igbo and European

                          Herman Koler, German doctor, observations of Igbo life, 1840 (excerpt)