The looting of Benin
Article Abstract:
The British army undertook a violent attack in Feb 1897 against Benin, a small city-state east of Lagos in what is now southern Nigeria. The king of Benin was subjected to a show trial, while leading chiefs were executed and the royal palace burned down. Some 900 magnificent bronze sculptures dating from the 16th century were seized, many of which remain on display at the British Museum. Labour MP Bernie Grant is now calling for the UK to acknowledge the errors of its imperialist past and return these treasures to the king of Benin.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1997
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Memories are made of this - exploitation, oppression, collaboration
Article Abstract:
The history of the British Empire includes forced labor, oppression and conquest. Crimes of the former rulers were to be ignored after independence as part of the agreement. This has led to a view of the empire in the Commonwealth as essentially benign, a view that is being challenged by historians. Some countries that were part of the empire were especially badly treated, and they chose not to join the Commonwealth. They include Ireland and Egypt.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1997
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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