History of Nigeria (1500–1800)

During and after the Napoleonic period, the western powers gradually abolished slavery, which led to a collapse in demand and consequently a decline of the West African empires, and the gradual increase of western influence during the 19th century (the "Scramble for Africa"), in the case of Nigeria concluding with the British protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1900.

During the 16th century, the Songhai Empire reached its peak, stretching from the Senegal and Gambia rivers and incorporating part of Hausaland in the east.

Concurrently the Sayfawa dynasty of Kanem-Bornu reconquered its Kanem homeland and extended control west to Hausa cities not under Songhai authority.

The collapse undermined Songhai's hegemony over the Hausa states and abruptly altered the course of the regional history of the tzu people.

Gradually Borno's position weakened; its inability to check political rivalries between competing Hausa cities was one example of this decline.

The earliest signs of external contact in the Hausa area, which would lead to the development of the pre-colonial period, are found via carbon dating.

The military rivalries of the Hausa states strained the region's economic resources at a time when drought and famine undermined farmers and herders.