History Exam Questions for SS2 First Term with Answer

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on History exam questions. We will cover History exam questions for SS2 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass History examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to History as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past History Exam Questions for SS2 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

History as a school subject is the study of past human events, societies, and civilizations. It helps students understand how people lived in earlier times, the challenges they faced, and the achievements that shaped the world we live in today. By learning History, students gain knowledge of their country’s heritage, the struggles for independence, and the development of modern nations.

The subject also teaches important skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and good judgment. It helps students appreciate the causes and effects of major events, learn from past mistakes, and make informed decisions for the future. In essence, History connects the past with the present and guides learners toward building a better tomorrow.

History Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

History Exam Questions for SS2 First Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS2 History First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objective Test

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. Which of the following best describes the Sokoto Caliphate at the beginning of the 19th century?
A. A loose federation of Igbo city-states
B. An Islamic state established through jihād under Usman ɗan Fodio
C. A British protectorate established in 1804
D. A coastal kingdom dominated by European traders

2. What was a major cause of the Fulani jihād led by Usman ɗan Fodio?
A. Desire to establish trade with Europe
B. Reaction against perceived corruption and syncretic practices among Hausa rulers
C. Opposition to British missionary activity
D. The introduction of firearms by the Portuguese

3. The occupation of Lagos in 1851 was primarily carried out by which power?
A. France
B. Britain
C. Portugal
D. The Sokoto Caliphate

4. Which event marked the beginning of formal British rule in the Benin Kingdom?
A. The arrival of Christian missionaries in 1807
B. The punitive expedition of 1897
C. The signing of the Treaty of Calabar in 1830
D. The Battle of Kiriji in 1877

5. The “Scramble for Africa” refers to:
A. African efforts to colonize Europe
B. European competition for territorial control in Africa during the late 19th century
C. The migration of Africans to the Americas
D. A century of African political unity

6. Which of the following was NOT an immediate effect of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade on West Africa?
A. Depopulation in some coastal regions
B. The collapse of all inland kingdoms
C. Disruption of local economies
D. Rise in warfare and raids for captives

7. Christian missionary activity in West Africa in the 19th century is most associated with:
A. Promoting independence movements
B. Establishing schools and hospitals and spreading Christianity
C. Securing territories for the Ottoman Empire
D. Replacing traditional crops with European cereals

8. The Berlin Conference (1884–85) primarily did what?
A. Ended the slave trade worldwide
B. Laid down rules for the partition of Africa among European powers
C. Established the League of Nations
D. Recognized African sovereignty

9. The method often used by the British to consolidate control in Northern Nigeria before 1914 was:
A. Direct rule through elected African assemblies
B. Indirect rule using existing traditional authorities
C. Complete cultural assimilation
D. Immediate mass settlement of British farmers

10. The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria took place in:
A. 1861         B. 1914
C. 1945         D. 1960

11. Which colonial policy most encouraged the production of cash crops in Nigeria?
A. Native courts system
B. Introduction of warrant chiefs
C. Taxation and colonial encouragement of export agriculture
D. Universal education policy

12. The main function of the Protectorate treaties signed between Britain and some Nigerian rulers was to:
A. Grant full independence to the territories
B. Establish areas under British protection and influence
C. Create a federal Nigerian parliament
D. Abolish all native titles

13. One significant result of missionary education in colonial Nigeria was:
A. The immediate decline of Christianity
B. Formation of an African-educated elite that later led nationalist movements
C. Elimination of traditional laws
D. The replacement of English with local languages as the language of administration

14. Which factor contributed most to the suppression of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade?
A. Increased African naval power
B. European moral campaign and naval patrols combined with economic shifts
C. The invention of steam engines in Africa
D. A universal treaty signed by all African kingdoms

15. The Sokoto Caliphate’s administrative system was characterized by:
A. Highly centralized French-style bureaucracy
B. Use of Islamic law and appointment of emirs under a caliph
C. Democratic elections at local level
D. Matrilineal succession

16. The phrase “legitimate trade” in the colonial era refers to:
A. Trade in legally recognized British companies only
B. Commerce in legal goods like palm oil and cocoa to replace the slave trade
C. Illegal smuggling of goods
D. Trade exclusively among African rulers

17. The British policy of “pacification” in interior West Africa usually involved:
A. Negotiating treaties, military expeditions, and coercion of resistant states
B. Granting immediate self-rule to conquered peoples
C. Turning coastal towns into republics
D. Providing full citizenship rights to indigenous peoples

18. Which of these was a major nationalist organization in Nigeria before independence?
A. Southern Cameroons League
B. National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)
C. African Union
D. Sokoto Reform Union

19. Which factor most directly stimulated the growth of nationalism in Nigeria after World War I?
A. Abundant oil revenues
B. Exposure to Western education and experiences by returnees from abroad, and wartime service
C. Immediate withdrawal of colonial administration
D. The imposition of a single national language

20. Hut tax and poll taxes in colonial Nigeria were used primarily to:
A. Reduce the money supply
B. Force Africans into wage labor to pay taxes and support colonial administration
C. Fund traditional festivals
D. Promote subsistence farming

21. Which European power first established significant trading posts along the Gulf of Guinea?
A. Germany       B. Portugal
C. Russia            D. Japan

22. The Kano Emirate was incorporated into the Sokoto Caliphate primarily through:
A. Voluntary federation
B. Jihād conquest and reform movement
C. British treaties
D. Peaceful negotiation with the French

23. Which statement best describes indirect rule?
A. British officials directly replaced all African rulers
B. Administration through existing traditional leaders who were retained under colonial oversight
C. Replacement of African traditional structures with French civil administrators
D. Abolition of all local institutions

24. The Berlin Conference recognized sovereignty of which of the following?
A. Independent African states only
B. European claims based on “effective occupation”
C. The United States as the colonial power in Africa
D. Japanese protectorates

25. One major economic impact of colonial rule in Nigeria was:
A. Rapid industrialization across all regions
B. Integration of Nigerian regions into the global capitalist economy as suppliers of raw materials
C. Total economic independence from European markets
D. The end of all taxation

26. The Royal Niger Company was significant because it:
A. Led the scramble for Cameroon
B. Operated commercial and administrative functions in parts of what became Nigeria
C. Was a missionary society
D. Declared independence for Lagos

27. The term “warrant chiefs” is associated with:
A. French colonial administration in Senegal
B. British attempts to create chiefs where none existed, especially in Eastern Nigeria
C. The Sokoto Caliphate appointment system
D. The appointment of colonial governors in London

28. Which development helped to spread colonial rule into the interior of Nigeria?
A. Development of robust African navies
B. Construction of roads and railways and increased military expeditions
C. The disappearance of European diseases
D. Large scale European settlement in the interior by 1850

29. The first phase of British conquest (1851–1900) mainly focused on:
A. Conquering North America
B. Occupation of coastal trading centers such as Lagos and opening the interior
C. Withdrawal from West African trade
D. Industrializing Nigeria

30. The Sokoto Caliphate’s economy relied heavily on:
A. Industrial manufacturing
B. Farming, cattle rearing, and trade
C. Oil exports
D. Large scale European plantations

31. Which of the following best describes the role of the missionary societies in West Africa?
A. They only engaged in military conquest
B. They established schools, hospitals, and introduced Christianity and Western education
C. They ruled as colonial governors
D. They were uninterested in local populations

32. Which of these factors weakened many pre-colonial African states in the 19th century?
A. Universal literacy
B. Slave raids, internal wars, and European military pressure
C. A single African monetary union
D. Strict border controls

33. The British conquest of Benin in 1897 resulted in:
A. Recognition of Benin as an independent kingdom
B. Looting and removal of artworks and the deposition of the Oba
C. Establishment of the Benin Empire as a protectorate in 1800
D. A British withdrawal from the area

34. Which of the following best explains why Europeans were able to expand influence in Africa in the late 19th century?
A. Superior gunpowder technology, railways, steamships, and medical advances like quinine
B. African technological superiority
C. European democratic reforms only
D. A series of African invasions of Europe

35. The Ashanti wars were fought between the British and which kingdom?
A. Oyo
B. Ashanti (Asante) in present-day Ghana
C. Benin
D. Kano

36. Which of the following was an effect of colonial taxation policies on African societies?
A. Complete abolition of wage labor
B. Forced many men into wage employment in towns and on plantations to earn cash
C. Encouraged a return to barter trade only
D. Immediate eradication of colonial administration

37. The “trade triangle” of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade typically connected:
A. Europe, West Africa, and the Americas
B. Asia, Africa, and Australia
C. North America, Russia, and South America
D. Europe, India, and China

38. A major reason Europeans sought control over the Niger area was to:
A. Prevent the spread of Islam
B. Access trade routes and control the interior for commerce in palm oil and other products
C. Find gold exclusively in the 20th century
D. Set up a French republic

39. Which of the following best describes early nationalist leaders in Nigeria?
A. Illiterate village chiefs only
B. Western-educated elites, professionals, and political activists seeking reforms and self-government
C. Exclusively military leaders from outside Africa
D. Merchants with no political agenda

40. The primary aim of British colonial educators was often to:
A. Fully industrialize rural areas
B. Train a small elite to assist administration and spread Christianity and Western values
C. Replace English with local languages in government
D. Produce large numbers of technical experts for local industry

41. Which of these was a common instrument of British indirect rule in the north?
A. Replacement of emirs with British mayors
B. Recognition and use of emirs and traditional Islamic courts under colonial oversight
C. Complete abolition of Islamic law
D. Introduction of French legal codes

42. Which was a major trading commodity exported from West Africa during the colonial period?
A. Electronics
B. Palm oil, cocoa, and groundnuts
C. Automobiles
D. Natural gas in the 18th century

43. The abolition of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade by Britain in 1807 led to:
A. The immediate end of all slavery worldwide
B. Increased British naval patrols and a shift toward “legitimate” commerce
C. A ban on all African trade
D. European withdrawal from the West African coast

44. Which of the following best characterizes the role of African intermediaries in colonial trade?
A. They were always European officials
B. African middlemen, merchants, and chiefs often acted as intermediaries between European traders and producers
C. They exclusively controlled European governments
D. They prevented any trade with Europeans

45. The introduction of railways in colonial Nigeria primarily served to:
A. Promote only local tourism
B. Facilitate movement of troops and export of agricultural products to the coast
C. Stop European exploration
D. Replace river transport entirely by 1850

46. Which factor most limited European penetration into the African interior before the late 19th century?
A. Complete absence of navigable rivers
B. Malaria and other diseases, lack of effective transport, and resistance by African states
C. African mastery of steam technology
D. European legal restrictions on colonialism

47. The term “effective occupation” established at the Berlin Conference meant:
A. A claim had to be backed by actual presence and administration to be recognized by other powers
B. Any explorer could claim a territory without presence
C. That only treaties were required for sovereignty
D. That African rulers could not sign any treaties

48. Which of the following groups provided the initial manpower for colonial administration at low levels?
A. European aristocrats
B. Local clerks, interpreters, and king’s messengers absorbed into colonial civil service
C. Japanese administrators
D. American colonists

49. Which British policy in the early 20th century attempted to reduce the influence of powerful Nigerian chiefs by creating new titles and authorities?
A. The Warrant Chief system and alterations to chieftaincy structures in some regions
B. Full recognition of all existing traditional authorities only
C. Immediate universal suffrage
D. Deportation of all chiefs

50. In the context of West African history, “mission schools” are most notable for:
A. Training only missionaries
B. Introducing Western education, literacy, and new professions among Africans
C. Being exclusive military academies
D. Banning local languages

51. A key diplomatic tactic used by some African rulers to limit European control was to:
A. Refuse all diplomatic contact
B. Play European powers against one another by signing selective treaties and alliances
C. Convert immediately to Christianity
D. Abandon all trade with Europeans

52. The Nigerian independence movement gained momentum after which global event?
A. World War I
B. World War II
C. The American Civil War
D. The Franco-Prussian War

53. Which of the following best explains the significance of the Royal Niger Company’s charter transfer to the British government?
A. It created a trade monopoly in the Americas
B. It marked the beginning of formal colonial administration replacing company rule in some areas
C. It established Nigeria’s independence
D. It abolished all commercial activity

54. Which legal system did the British allow to continue in many parts of Northern Nigeria?
A. Roman law
B. Islamic law (Shariʿa) under native courts for personal and some civil matters
C. American common law exclusively
D. French civil code

55. The major aim of colonial development policies was generally to:
A. Promote self-sufficient industrialization in Africa
B. Exploit resources for the benefit of the metropole and create auxiliary infrastructure
C. Provide immediate economic parity with Europe
D. Eliminate cash crops entirely

56. Which of the following outcomes followed the British punitive expedition against Benin in 1897?
A. Full autonomy restored to the Oba with British backing
B. Looting, exile of the Oba, and annexation of Benin territory into the colony
C. A treaty of equal partnership
D. Benin conquered France

57. Which reasoning did colonial powers often give to justify the “civilizing mission”?
A. Promotion of global anarchy
B. The belief that European culture, Christianity, and institutions were superior and should be introduced to “backward” societies
C. Encouragement of African political independence
D. Withdrawal from African affairs

58. Which was a significant social change introduced by colonial rule and missionary activity?
A. Abolition of schooling
B. Urbanization and formation of new social classes, including an educated elite and urban workers
C. Complete disappearance of Christianity
D. Uniform wealth distribution across regions

59. The Hausa City-States before colonial conquest were best known for:
A. Being isolated hunter-gatherer bands
B. Vibrant trans-Saharan trade, Islamic learning, and city administration
C. Complete dependence on European imports
D. Being founded only after 1900

60. Which of the following describes one reason for the growth of towns during colonial rule?
A. A decline in trade
B. The need for administrative centers, markets for cash crops, and ports connected by improved transport
C. The abolition of all taxation
D. A universal move to subsistence agriculture

Read Also: History Exam Questions for SS1 First Term

SECTION B: Essay / Theory

INSTRUCTION – Answer only five (5) questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and number exactly as below.

1. Explain the rise and administration of the Sokoto Caliphate under Usman ɗan Fodio. In your answer, discuss its political structure, economic base, and relations with neighbouring states.

2. Describe the phases of British conquest in what is now Nigeria between 1851 and 1914. For each phase, give at least two key events and explain how the British consolidated control.

3. Examine the impact of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade on West African societies. Discuss both the social and economic consequences and how its suppression changed regional commerce.

4. Discuss the role of Christian missionary societies in colonial Nigeria. Evaluate their contributions to education, health, and social change, and mention at least two negative effects associated with their activities.

5. Explain the concept of indirect rule. Using examples from Northern and Southern Nigeria, assess its advantages and disadvantages for colonial administrators and local populations.

6. Trace the origins and early development of nationalist movements in Nigeria up to 1945. Identify major organizations or leaders and explain the factors that motivated the nationalist struggle.

7. With reference to at least two case studies (e.g., Benin, Kano, or Lagos), analyze the immediate and long-term consequences of British military expeditions and annexations on local political institutions and culture.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to History Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of History exam questions for SS2 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of History Exam Questions for SS2 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

1. The Rise and Administration of the Sokoto Caliphate under Usman ɗan Fodio

The Sokoto Caliphate emerged in the early 19th century following the Jihad led by Usman ɗan Fodio against corrupt Hausa rulers. Usman ɗan Fodio, a respected Islamic scholar and reformer, began preaching against oppression, heavy taxation, and un-Islamic practices. His message attracted followers, and in 1804, he declared a Jihad that resulted in the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate.

Politically, the Caliphate was a theocratic empire with the Sultan (Caliph) at the top. The Caliph appointed Emirs to govern provinces, while Islamic law (Sharia) served as the foundation of governance. Economically, agriculture, trade, and taxation formed the base of the Caliphate’s wealth. It maintained relations with neighbouring states through trade and diplomacy, though conflicts occasionally occurred. The Sokoto Caliphate remained one of the largest and most organized political entities in pre-colonial West Africa.

2. The Phases of British Conquest in Nigeria (1851–1914)

The British conquest of Nigeria occurred in three major phases: the coastal, middle belt, and northern phases. The coastal phase began in 1851 with the bombardment of Lagos and its annexation in 1861. British interests focused on controlling trade and ending the slave trade. The middle belt phase involved the expansion of British influence inland, especially after the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885. Treaties were signed with local rulers, and the Royal Niger Company gained trading rights.

The northern phase (1897–1903) saw military campaigns against powerful states like Benin and Sokoto. The British defeated the Benin Kingdom in 1897 and the Sokoto Caliphate by 1903. By 1914, the Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated, marking the full consolidation of British rule in Nigeria.

3. The Impact of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade on West African Societies

The Trans-Atlantic slave trade had devastating effects on West African societies. Socially, it led to population decline as millions were captured and sold into slavery. Families were separated, and constant wars and raids created instability. Economically, agricultural production suffered as able-bodied men and women were taken away. However, some African rulers and merchants profited by trading slaves for European goods.

When the slave trade was suppressed in the 19th century, attention shifted to “legitimate trade” in commodities such as palm oil, ivory, and cocoa. This transition reshaped West Africa’s economy and encouraged the development of port towns like Lagos and Calabar.

4. The Role of Christian Missionary Societies in Colonial Nigeria

Christian missionary societies played a major role in colonial Nigeria. Groups such as the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the Roman Catholic Mission, and the Wesleyan Methodists established schools, churches, and hospitals. They promoted literacy, introduced Western education, and improved healthcare through dispensaries and hospitals.

However, their work also had negative effects. They sometimes disrespected traditional beliefs and cultures, causing social tension. Mission schools promoted European values, and in some cases, Christianity was linked to colonial dominance. Nevertheless, the missionaries contributed significantly to the intellectual and social development of modern Nigeria.

5. The Concept of Indirect Rule

Indirect rule was a system of administration where the British governed through existing traditional rulers. In Northern Nigeria, Lord Lugard successfully implemented it using Emirs who already had established authority and administrative systems. In the South, especially among the Igbo, the system faced challenges because of the absence of centralized leadership.

The system reduced administrative costs for the British and preserved local customs to some extent. However, it also caused problems such as the creation of “warrant chiefs” in the South, leading to abuse of power and resistance like the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929. Overall, indirect rule benefited colonial administrators more than local populations.

6. The Origins and Early Development of Nationalist Movements in Nigeria up to 1945

Nigerian nationalism began in the early 20th century as educated elites started to challenge colonial injustices and racial discrimination. Early organizations like the Lagos Auxiliary of the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines’ Rights Protection Society (founded in 1900) and the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) established by Herbert Macaulay in 1923 marked the beginning of organized nationalism.

Factors that encouraged the movement included Western education, the spread of newspapers, unfair colonial policies, and World War II, which exposed Africans to new ideas of freedom. By 1945, leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello were at the forefront of nationalist politics, demanding self-government.

7. Consequences of British Military Expeditions and Annexations on Local Political Institutions and Culture

British military expeditions had both immediate and long-term effects on Nigerian societies. For example, the 1897 Benin Expedition resulted in the destruction of the Benin Kingdom and the exile of Oba Ovonramwen. Traditional authority weakened, and British-appointed officials took control. Similarly, in Kano, the defeat of the Fulani leadership in 1903 brought the region under British control, altering the existing political structure.

Culturally, colonial rule introduced new systems of education, religion, and governance, while indigenous customs and institutions declined in influence. Though these changes opened Nigeria to modernization, they also disrupted traditional values and local autonomy.

How to Pass History Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

Passing your History exam questions for SS2 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus and the topics

Get the SS2 scheme of work and the WAEC/NECO syllabus for History. Check the first term topics and list them. Focus your study on those topics first. When you know what is examinable, you stop wasting time.

2. Make a simple revision plan

Plan short, daily sessions. Example:

• Day 1: Sokoto Caliphate — causes, rise, administration
• Day 2: British conquest — coastal phase and middle belt
• Day 3: Slave trade — causes, effects, suppression
• Day 4: Missionaries and education
• Day 5: Practice objective questions and short essays

Repeat weak topics more often. Short, regular study beats long, last-minute cramming.

3. Use good notes and timelines

Write short notes after reading a topic. Make timelines for events. Timelines help you remember dates and sequence. Use headings like “Who?”, “When?”, “Why?”, and “Effect?”. Keep notes neat and short.

4. Practice past questions and objective tests

Do past WAEC and NECO questions on the topics you study. For objective questions, train yourself to:

• Read the question carefully.
• Underline key words (e.g., “main reason”, “which of the following”).
• Eliminate clearly wrong options first.
• Choose the best answer from the remaining choices.

5. Answering essay questions well

Use a clear structure: introduction, body, conclusion.

1. Introduction: Give a short definition or context sentence. State what you will discuss.
2. Body: Use 3–5 paragraphs. Each paragraph should state one point, give facts or examples, then explain the point.
3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points and give a short closing sentence.

Always include dates, names, and at least one specific example. Be concise. Do not repeat the question word for word.

6. Time management in the exam

Read the whole paper fast first. Start with the section you are strongest in. For a paper with objectives and essays:

• Spend little time on each objective question — don’t overthink it.
• Keep 5–10 minutes to check answers if you finish early.
• For each essay, plan for 5 minutes, write for 35–40 minutes, and leave 5 minutes to review.

7. Remember facts with simple tools

Use mnemonic lines, short timelines, and flashcards. Teach a friend or pretend to teach the class. Teaching helps memory.

8. Read widely but wisely

Use your textbook and two trusted reference notes. Read one extra short article or past question set each week. Avoid too many sources that confuse you.

9. Stay calm and exam-ready

Sleep well before the exam. Eat a light meal. Arrive early with the right tools (pens, ruler). If you see a hard question, answer easier ones first. Confidence improves performance.

10. Weekly checklist

• Finish the topic list for the week.
• Do at least 20 objective questions on covered topics.
• Write one timed essay and check it against a model answer.
• Fix one weak point you found in practice.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS2 First Term Questions on History, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Best wishes..