The villagers had their own set customs and beliefs before the missionaries arrived. From what I read, I can state that these people were prosperous, had good health and had a quite stable community. The missionaries brought new modern techniques and opportunities that some villagers were interested in pursuing, but these new customs threatened to do away with older traditional ways. The villagers were confused and some wanted to try these new ways, but others stood strong to their familiar beliefs and felt strong opposition toward the missionaries because of all the changes, good and bad, that they brought. The new modern ways corrupted many, and may have brought about a loss of tradition.
The proponents of modernity consisted of the younger generation of the community. An example of this would be Okonkwo's eldest son Nwoye. He was among one of the first villagers that was converted into Christianity. Those that converted, attended church and wanted to learn how to read and write. The missionaries were also strong proponents of modernity. They wanted to convert as much villagers as they could into believing that there was only one god and be accustomed to their new ways. The missionaries built churches, established a government, formed a prison, and build a little hospital which first introduced medical care and modern medicine to these people. Many of the younger villagers wanted to know more and perhaps adopt a better life. They were easily influenced but many of the older villagers saw this as being unfaithful to their gods.
The older villagers were not as easily corrupted and were against all the new changes that were happening. They felt that their gods would punish the missionaries all in good time, but when nothing bad happened to the missionaries, more villagers converted. The older generation felt hatred toward the missionaries and wanted to kill them and also the get revenge for all the trouble that the "white man" brought.
