The British Conquest of Benin in 1897 was a punitive expedition that resulted in the sacking of Benin City and the looting of its renowned cultural artifacts, including the famous Benin bronzes. The expedition was justified by the British as a response to the killing of a British envoy, but it also reflected the broader imperial ambitions of Britain in Africa. The event had lasting repercussions on Benin's cultural heritage and highlighted the violent nature of colonial expansion during this period.

The British conquest of Benin in 1897 raised significant awareness of African art and cultural looting, prompting poets and writers to critique colonial practices. Works by poets such as Langston Hughes began to address the themes of cultural heritage and loss, reflecting on the impact of imperialism on African identity.