Historical Encyclopedia
The first contacts between Europeans and regions located in modern-day Cameroon began in the 15th century, when Portuguese navigators reached the shores of West Africa. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the coastline, and soon they started trading with local tribes, exchanging European goods for gold, ivory, and slaves. At the beginning of the colonial period, the region was known as Rio dos Camaroins (River of Shrimp), which eventually became the basis for the name Cameroon.
The colonial period of Cameroon officially began in 1884 when the German Empire established a protectorate over the territory. Germany signed treaties with local rulers, gaining control over lands along the coastline. The German authorities aimed to transform Cameroon into a profitable colony, focusing on the development of plantation agriculture. Large plantations of cocoa, coffee, cotton, and bananas were established, contributing to economic growth but leading to forced labor and exploitation of the local population.
German colonizers implemented modern infrastructure, building railways, roads, and ports for the efficient export of goods. German companies, such as the Deutsche Kamerun Gesellschaft, played a key role in the colony's economy. However, the use of local populations for forced labor sparked resistance, leading to a series of uprisings, the most famous of which occurred in 1891 among the Duala tribe.
With the onset of World War I in 1914, the German presence in Cameroon came under threat. France and Britain invaded the territory of Cameroon and began military operations against German forces. In 1916, the German troops were forced to capitulate, and after the war, the territory of Cameroon was divided between the victors—France and Britain—under a League of Nations mandate.
French Cameroon encompassed about 80% of the territory, while the British part was divided into Northern and Southern Cameroon, which were annexed to British Nigeria and Niger. This division led to the emergence of two different administrative systems and influenced the colony's development in economic and social aspects. France and Britain governed Cameroon independently of each other, resulting in varied approaches to management and cultural influence.
In the French zone of Cameroon, which was the largest, the French authorities began implementing cultural assimilation policies by introducing the French language, education, and administrative structures. The economy of Cameroon under French rule was based on mining and agriculture. France continued to develop plantation agriculture, expanding cocoa and coffee plantations, which generated significant income but led to the exploitation of labor resources.
In British Cameroon, which was divided into Northern and Southern Cameroon, the approach to governance differed from the French. The British practiced indirect rule, relying on local leaders to maintain order and governance. Northern Cameroon was primarily a Muslim region ruled by traditional chiefs, while Southern Cameroon was strongly influenced by Christian missionaries. The British administration promoted agricultural and trade development but significantly restricted the economic and political rights of the population.
The colonial period in Cameroon left a significant legacy that impacted its economy and social structures. The exploitation of natural resources and the use of forced labor led to economic growth but caused social and cultural changes that altered the landscape of Cameroon. The local population faced severe limitations in accessing education and economic resources, while colonial administrations fostered social inequality.
Education during the colonial period was limited, and only a few members of the local population had the opportunity to receive an education. This educational inequality created challenges for Cameroonians seeking social and economic development. Culture also underwent changes, as European missionaries actively promoted Christianity, displacing traditional religious and cultural practices.
After World War II, a global decolonization movement began, and Cameroon was no exception. The rise of national consciousness and discontent with colonial rule led to the emergence of political movements and organizations seeking independence. In 1948, the "Union of the Peoples of Cameroon" (UPC) was established, the first political party advocating for independence and opposing colonial rule.
The UPC, led by Ruben Um Nyobé, actively fought for the rights of Cameroonians and called for an end to colonial domination. The French administration harshly suppressed the activities of the UPC, and the independence movement faced repression. Nevertheless, the rising dissatisfaction continued to grow, and the international community began to recognize the necessity for decolonization.
By the late 1950s, pressure on the French and British authorities intensified. In 1960, French Cameroon gained independence and became the Republic of Cameroon. The first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, focused on uniting the country and modernizing the economy, but the political situation remained complex due to conflicts among various ethnic and political groups.
British Cameroon, however, remained under British administration. In 1961, after a referendum, Northern Cameroon joined Nigeria, while Southern Cameroon joined the Republic of Cameroon, marking the creation of the Federal Republic of Cameroon. This unification was an important step towards creating a unified state but also brought new challenges related to the integration of diverse territories.
The colonial period of Cameroon left a deep mark on the country's history, influencing its political, economic, and cultural life. German, French, and British rule resulted in significant societal changes and laid the groundwork for the future of Cameroon. The struggle for independence and subsequent unification of the country demonstrated the Cameroonians' desire for freedom and self-governance. Today, Cameroon continues to develop as a sovereign state, inheriting both the achievements and challenges that emerged during the colonial era.