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Overview first Niger expedition of 1841 ( 1842)
The Niger expedition of 1841 was inspired by Thomas F. Buxton, who aim to devastate slave trade from it main root. After the abolition of slave trade by justice Mansfield in 1772, some traders were still into the business illicitly due to it lucrativeness.
Similar topic: Niger expedition of 1854
Buxton took another step to battle slavery in Africa. This brought him to Niger (Lokoja), he believed that the only way to eradicate slave trade completely was to fight it root, thus, he came to supplant the illicit trade with legitimate business.
It was guided by the principle of “Bible and Plough,” which meant evangelizing Africans while introducing agriculture and commerce. Missionaries, diplomats, and scientists (145 in total) arrived at Lokoja in three ships (Albert, Wilberforce, and Soudan). the mission was sponsored by the British government with £100,000
Aim of Niger expedition of 1841
✴️To establish experimental farming and replace the slave trade (illegitimate trade)
✴️ For the endorsement and ratification of treaties.
✴️ Abolition of slave trade and slave labour.
✴️ To establishment of Christianity
✴️ To establishment of trade links.
However, due to some reasons such as tropical disease, unfavorable climate etc, the mission did not achieved it objectives.
Failure of the 1841 Niger expedition.
- The experimental farming projects was abandoned.
- Death of 45 members of the mission
- Waste of £100k invested
- No trade link establishment
- No convert
Achievement
1. Endorsement and ratification of treaties
2. Study of vernacular
3. The discovered that Africa was safe for white man.
4. It led to the training of native agents
5. It arise the interest of Africa liberated slaves like S. Ayaji Crowther (Yoruba ex-slave), Joseph C. Taylor
Footnote there is Niger expedition of 1841, 1854, and 1857. No surface anywhere on my research hold the existence of Niger expedition of 1845 to be true, however few sources claimed it existed
Summarize
The Niger Expedition of 1841, led by Thomas F. Buxton, aimed to end the slave trade by replacing it with legitimate agricultural trade and promoting Christianity. Sponsored by the British government, the mission involved 145 members and a budget of £100,000. However, it faced numerous challenges, including tropical diseases, climate issues, and logistical difficulties. The mission failed to establish farming projects, trade links, or significant Christian converts, and 45 members died.
Despite its failures, the expedition achieved some success, such as endorsing treaties, studying local languages, demonstrating that Africa was safe for Europeans, training native agents, and inspiring African ex-slaves like Samuel Ajayi Crowther.