By the time Okonkwo returns from his years of exile, the English Protestants have firmly established themselves in Umuofia. The colonial forces entered and began operating on several fronts; they effectively combined an economic and political presence with religion and education, thereby convincing the indigenous people that their presence was beneficial. Palm oil sales benefited and as more white people kept arriving, the minister presented Western-style education as a vehicle for communication with these new foreigners. The bureaucrats and military seemed necessary to keep commerce operating smoothly.

Because the Igbo were the owners and rulers of their land, they did not initially fear the whites. They were largely unprepared for the depth or breadth of British presence in their midst. Seduced by the material benefits and, to some degree, lured by the Christian idea of future spiritual benefits, most people did not object at first to British presence. Okonkwo cannot muster enough supporters for an organized opposition. Burning the church becomes an isolated, desperate attempt to eliminate them.