Watch Africa and Britain: A Forgotten History

Africa and Britain: A Forgotten History is a historical documentary series produced by the BBC that is available for streaming on BritBox. The series consists of four episodes, each exploring different aspects of the complex history between Africa and Britain, from prehistoric times to the present day.

The series is presented by David Olusoga, a historian and broadcaster who specializes in the history of the British Empire and its legacy. Throughout the series, Olusoga draws on his extensive knowledge of African and British history to provide a nuanced and thought-provoking account of the often-overlooked interactions between the two regions.

The first episode of the series, entitled "First Encounters," explores the earliest interactions between Africans and Europeans, focusing on the Roman Empire's presence in North Africa and the African kingdoms that emerged in response to their arrival. Olusoga examines how trade, religion, and diplomacy shaped these early interactions and how they helped to lay the foundation for later European expansion into the continent.

The second episode, "Black Kingdoms of the Nile," examines the rich and complex history of the Nubian and Sudanese kingdoms that flourished along the Nile River. Olusoga explores how these kingdoms developed complex irrigation systems, built stunning architectural achievements, and created vibrant trade networks with neighboring regions.

The third episode, "Guinea Coast," focuses on the long and often-troubled history of the transatlantic slave trade. Olusoga visits sites that were key to the slave trade, such as the former slave fort of Elmina in Ghana, and explores the human cost of this brutal system. He also takes a look at the resistance efforts led by African leaders such as Olaudah Equiano and Toussaint L'Ouverture, which ultimately led to the abolition of the slave trade.

The final episode, "Industrial Revolution," examines the role of Africa in the global economy, focusing on the ways in which British colonialism helped to shape the continent's economic trajectory. Olusoga examines how the extraction of raw materials and the exploitation of African labor helped to fuel the British Industrial Revolution and how this led to the emergence of a global capitalist system that has shaped the modern world.

Throughout the series, Olusoga provides insightful commentary on the complex social and political factors that shaped Africa and Britain's shared history. He also taps into a wealth of primary and secondary sources, such as archival footage, interviews with experts, and historical documents, to bring this history to life.

Overall, Africa and Britain: A Forgotten History is a fascinating and engaging exploration of an often-overlooked aspect of world history. The series shines a light on the complex relationships that have shaped Africa and Britain's shared past, and provides a nuanced perspective on the legacies of colonialism that continue to shape the world today.

Africa and Britain: A Forgotten History is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (4 episodes). The series first aired on November 9, 2016.