From 1884 to 1916, the traditional powers Duala and Bamum were subject to the influence of the German colonial administration. This was manifested in the profound restructuring of their political, economic and socio-cultural organizations. In this perspective, we went further by demonstrating that the German colonial administration has also undergone significant changes as a result of their exchanges with Sultan NJOYA and Duala chiefs. We have also being interested in this socio-political phenomenon under the theme: "The German colonial administration and the traditional powers Duala and Bamum: Analysis of Cameroon’s political history".
The interest of our work demands that the degree of mutual influence between the German colonial administration and the traditional political powers Duala and Bamum be gradually shown. This work proposes to analyze the dynamics and the logics of implantation and domination that the German colonial administration had on these two traditional political entities. Moreover, this same German colonial administration had to adapt to the local realities of the traditional Duala and Bamum political powers.
It is on this basis that our work was built in two parts. The first part is entitled: "The domination of the German colonial administration over the traditional political powers of Duala and Bamum" and the second part is entitled: "The relative influence of the traditional political powers of Bamum and Duala on the German colonial administration".
Table of Contents
1. Construction of the object of study
1.1. Context and justification of subject
1.2. Conceptual clarifications
1.2.1. The concept of administration
1.2.1.1. Colonial administration
1.2.1.2. Management
1.2.1.3. Management
1.2.2. The concept of traditional political powers
1.2.2.1. Traditional political powers
1.2.2.2. Domination
1.2.2.3. Authority
1.2.3. The concept of political history
1.2.3.1. History
1.2.3.2. Political History
1.2.3.3. Correlation between history and politics
1.3. Presentation of traditional political powers Duala and Bamun
1.3.1. The Duala chiefdoms as a case of analysis
1.3.2. The Bamun kingdom as a case of analysis
1.4. Delimitation of the subject or boundary of the study
1.4.1. Spatio-temporal framework of the study
1.4.2. Material framework of the study
1.5. Critical review of the literature
1.5.1. The thesis of the positive repercussions of German colonization
1.5.2. The thesis of the negativity of German colonization
1.6. Problem and hypotheses
1.6.1. Problem
1.6.2. Hypotheses
1.7. Interest of the study
2. Methodological and operational considerations
2.1. Analysis methods
2.1.1. The historical method
2.1.2. The comparative method
2.1.3. Constructivism
2.2. Data collection technique
2.2.1. Documentary techniques
2.2.2. Living techniques: interviews
2.3. Articulations of the study
3. Part One: The domination of the German colonial administration over traditional political powers Duala and Bamun
3.1. Chapter I: The principle of the hinterland and the progressive establishment of the German colonial administration in the Duala and Bamun territories
3.1.1. Section I: The principle of the hinterland and the progressive establishment of the German colonial administration in the Duala territory
3.1.1.1. Paragraph I: The origin of the Duala people and their social structure
3.1.1.1.1. The origin of the “Duala” people
3.1.1.1.1.1. What does the word “Duala” mean?
3.1.1.1.1.2. What are the toponyms linked to the word “Duala”?
3.1.1.1.2. The different cantons of the Duala people
3.1.1.1.2.1. Canton Bell
3.1.1.1.2.2. Akwa canton
3.1.1.1.2.3. The Deïdo canton
3.1.1.2. Paragraph II: Contact between the German colonial administration and the Duala people
3.1.1.2.1. The major participation of German traderers and traders in making contact with the Duala chiefs
3.1.1.2.1.1. Adolf and Édouard Woermann - The German trading house Woermann
3.1.1.2.1.2. Édouard Schmidt - The German trading house Jantzen and Thormählen
3.1.1.2.2. The signature of different treaties between German traders and Duala chiefs
3.1.1.2.2.1. Commercial Agreement of January 30, 1883 & Reconciliation Convention of March 29, 1883
3.1.1.2.2.2. Treaties of July 11 and 12, 1884
3.1.2. Section II: The principle of the hinterland and the progressive establishment of the German colonial administration in the Bamun territory
3.1.2.1. Paragraph I: The origin of the Bamun people
3.1.2.1.1. Nchare Yen or the founder of the Bamun kingdom
3.1.2.1.1.1. Nchare Yen or the origins of a young prince Tikar
3.1.2.1.1.2. The creation of several dynasties: the Bafia (Mounta), the Bansoh (Nguonso)
3.1.2.1.2. The different conquest which contributed to the establishment of the Bamun kingdom
3.1.2.1.2.1. The conquest of the village of Njimom (Victory over the Pa Mbem)
3.1.2.1.2.2. The birth of the Bamun kingdom
3.1.2.2. Paragraph II: Contact between the German colonial administration and the Bamun people
3.1.2.2.1. The precursorous role of German missionaries in establishing links between the Bamun kingdom and the German colonial authorities
3.1.2.2.1.1. The prominent place of the missionary Göring in establishing relations with King Njoya
3.1.2.2.1.2. Christianity facing the power of King Njoya
3.1.2.2.2. King Njoya and the taking into account of the “superiority” of the German colonial agents
3.1.2.2.2.1. The practice of “war” according to the German colonial administration and the know-how of German missionaries transmitted to Bamun artisans
3.1.2.2.2.2. The impregnation of European culture in Bamun artisanal production
3.2. Conclusion of Chapter I
3.3. Chapter II: The dynamics and logics of domination of the German colonial administration over traditional political powers Duala and Bamun
3.3.1. Section I: Conflictual dynamics and logics: Case of Duala chiefs
3.3.1.1. Paragraph I: The land question or expropriation of land
3.3.1.1.1. Lands occupied by missionaries and colonial agents
3.3.1.1.1.1. The provisions of the German colonial administration: the practical contours of the expropriation plan for the city of Douala
3.3.1.1.1.2. The reasons for opposition of the Duala chiefs to the expropriation of their lands: an attack on their inalienable rights, their habits and customs, their centuries-old identity
3.3.1.1.2. The demarcation between “native” neighborhoods and white neighborhoods
3.3.1.1.2.1. The creation of a buffer zone
3.3.1.1.2.2. Expropriation or support for a racist and segregationist theory
3.3.1.1.3. The claims of Duala chiefs following non-compliance with the clauses of the German-Duala treaties
3.3.1.1.3.1. The petitions of the Duala Kings addressed to the German colonial department
3.3.1.1.3.2. The Duala War, 1884
3.3.1.2. Paragraph II: Sanctions incurred in case of disobedience by Duala leaders
3.3.1.2.1. The disposition of rebel leaders
3.3.1.2.1.1. The dismissal of King Akwa Dika Mpondo (1907)
3.3.1.2.1.2. The dismissal of Prince Din Dika Akwa and King Rudolf Douala Manga Bell
3.3.1.2.2. The deportation of rebel leaders
3.3.1.2.2.1. The deportation of King Akwa
3.3.1.2.2.2. The deportation of King Manga Bell
3.3.1.2.3. The killing of “rebel” leaders: The special case of leader Rudolf Douala Manga Bell
3.3.1.2.3.1. Major actors and places
3.3.1.2.3.2. The course of events: the conviction and killing of Adolf Ngosso Din and Rudolf Douala Manga Bell
3.3.2. Section II: Dynamics and logics of cooperation on the part of the Duala chiefs and Sultan Bamun
3.3.2.1. Paragraph I: The German-Duala treaties
3.3.2.1.1. Categories of treaties
3.3.2.1.1.1. Sales contracts, negotiated treaties and peace treaties
3.3.2.1.1.2. Comments and Analysis of the German-Duala Treaties
3.3.2.1.2. The legal scope of the German-Duala treaties
3.3.2.1.2.1. The signing of the Treaty of July 12, 1884 and the loss of sovereignty of the Duala chiefs
3.3.2.1.2.2. The principle of free consent: a principle difficult to accept in view of the linguistic and legal assessments of the Duala chiefs
3.3.2.2. Paragraph II: The mutual aid strategy between the German colonial administration and the Bamun during the wars of conquest
3.3.2.2.1. The context of the Bamun war against the Nsoh
3.3.2.2.1.1. The general context of traditional Bamun society
3.3.2.2.1.2. The recovery of King Nsangu's skull from the Bamun thanks to the German colonial administration
3.3.2.2.2. The assistance of the Bamun people in the process of conquest of the “rebel” peoples by the German colonial administration
3.3.2.2.2.1. The Bamun people: a warrior and conquering people over the centuries
3.3.2.2.2.2. The Germano-Bamun battle against the Nsoh
3.4. Conclusion of Chapter II
3.5. Conclusion of the First Part
4. Part Two: The relative influence of traditional political powers Duala and Bamun on German colonial administration
4.1. Chapter III: The situational pragmatism of the German colonial administration towards the Duala chiefs
4.1.1. Section I: The question of “coumi” or salary of Duala chiefs paid by the German colonial administration
4.1.1.1. Paragraph I: How much did the Duala chiefs perceive?
4.1.1.1.1. The salary frequency of Duala chiefs
4.1.1.1.1.1. Tensions between Duala chiefs caused by economic competition
4.1.1.1.1.2. Contact with whites or a privilege sought by indigenous chiefs
4.1.1.1.2. The constitution of a financial heritage as a basis of division between the Duala chiefs: the pre-eminence of King Bell
4.1.1.1.2.1. The distribution of the “dash” as a source of tension between King Bell and the other Duala chiefs
4.1.1.1.2.2. The financial problem as a manifestation of the “fierce” rivalries between the Duala chiefs
4.1.1.2. Paragraph II :Which currency was most often used?
4.1.1.2.1. The reason for using this currency
4.1.1.2.1.1. The use of the Kroo in hinterland trade
4.1.1.2.1.2. The introduction of the capitation tax
4.1.1.2.2. The use of Western currency or the modification of the us and customs of the Duala company
4.1.1.2.2.1. Interpretation of the commercial situation of the German Protectorate in Cameroon
4.1.1.2.2.2. The use of the new monetary system or the emergence of new social relationships within “indigenous” society
4.1.2. Section II :The perception of chiefs Bell, Akwa and Deïdo regarding the German colonial administration
4.1.2.1. Paragraph I: The conflictual relations between the Duala chiefs and the German colonial administration
4.1.2.1.1. The relations of the Bell dynasty with the German colonial administration
4.1.2.1.1.1. The split between “Bell” and “Bellè”
4.1.2.1.1.2. The Bell Kings and the German colonial administration
4.1.2.1.2. The relations of the Akwa dynasty with the German colonial administration
4.1.2.1.2.1. The structure of the Akwa clan
4.1.2.1.2.2. The Akwa clan and the manifestations of its discontent with the German colonial authorities
4.1.2.1.3. The relations of the Deïdo dynasty with the German colonial administration
4.1.2.1.3.1. The history of Deïdo clan
4.1.2.1.3.2. The links between the Deïdo clan and the German colonial administration
4.1.2.2. Paragraph II: Questioning the perception of the German colonial administration by the Duala chiefs
4.1.2.2.1. The perception of the German colonial administration by the Duala chiefs
4.1.2.2.1.1. The perception of the Bell chiefdom regarding the German colonial administration
4.1.2.2.1.2. The perception of the Akwa chiefdom regarding the German colonial administration
4.1.2.2.1.3. The perception of the Deïdo Kings regarding the German colonial administration
4.1.2.2.2. The relevance of this perception of the German colonial administration by the Duala chiefs
4.1.2.2.2.1. The relevance of the perception of the Duala chiefs vis-à-vis the German colonial administration: the legal vagueness linked to the land question of the 1884 treaty
4.1.2.2.2.2. The relevance of the perception of the Duala chiefs regarding the German colonial administration: the terms of the expropriation of the Joss plateau
4.1.2.2.2.3. The relevance of the perception of Duala chiefs about the German colonial administration: The Leadership of Rudolf Douala Manga Bell in the Anti-Colonial Resistance Process
4.2. Conclusion of Chapter III
4.3. Chapter IV: The adaptation of the German colonial administration to traditional governance Bamun
4.3.1. Section I: The rebel acts of sovereign Njoya towards the German colonial administration
4.3.1.1. Paragraph I: King Njoya’s objections to Christian religious practices
4.3.1.1.1. King Njoya wanted to keep his many wives
4.3.1.1.1.1. Polygamy or the basis of a privileged status in Bamun society
4.3.1.1.1.2. The adaptation of missionaries to polygamy
4.3.1.1.2. King Njoya wanted to baptize his subjects himself
4.3.1.1.2.1. The meaning of baptism
4.3.1.1.2.2. The modification of social habits in Bamun country due to the adoption of Christian rites
4.3.1.1.3. King Njoya wanted to add palm wine to the holy water
4.3.1.1.3.1. Origin and symbolism of palm wine
4.3.1.1.3.2. Why did King Njoya want to add palm wine to holy water?
4.3.1.2. Paragraph II: The ambivalent relations between King Njoya and the missionary Göring
4.3.1.2.1. Friendship between King Njoya and missionary Göring
4.3.1.2.1.1. The portrait of the missionary Göring: a pastor serving the Basel mission
4.3.1.2.1.2. The Basel mission in Bamun country: the favorable reception of King Njoya
4.3.1.2.2. The differences between the two men regarding the practice of the Christian religion
4.3.1.2.2.1. King Njoya, guardian of traditions
4.3.1.2.2.2. King Njoya or the existence of God in the Bamun culture
4.3.2. Section II: The perception of the German colonial administration by King Njoya
4.3.2.1. Paragraph I: The marks of confidence addressed by King Njoya to the German colonial administration
4.3.2.1.1. The exchange of gifts between German colonial agents and King Njoya
4.3.2.1.1.1. The throne of sovereign Njoya
4.3.2.1.1.2. Reappropriation
4.3.2.1.2. The valorization of the personality of King Njoya by the German colonial administration
4.3.2.1.2.1. Njoya, an innovative monarch
4.3.2.1.2.2. The personality of King NJOYA: a major asset for the consolidation of relations between local traditional power and the German colonial administration
4.3.2.1.3. The non-existent support of other local leaders towards the struggle of Rudolf Douala Manga Bell
4.3.2.1.3.1. Rudolf Douala Manga Bell's envoy to King Njoya: Ndame
4.3.2.1.3.2. A buried “suspicion” of betrayal?
4.3.2.2. Paragraph II: Questioning King Njoya’s perception of the German colonial administration
4.3.2.2.1. Is this perception of the German colonial administration well-founded?
4.3.2.2.1.1. Linguistic policy as a tool to support German imperialism in Cameroon
4.3.2.2.1.2. The muzzling of King Njoya and the tongue « Shumom »
4.3.2.2.2. If yes, why?
4.3.2.2.2.1. King Njoya, a fine political strategist
4.3.2.2.2.2. King Njoya or the end of the myth of the inferiority of the Black
4.4. Conclusion of Chapter IV
4.5. Conclusion of Part Two
5. General Conclusion
Objectives & Themes
This study examines the multifaceted influence between the German colonial administration and traditional political authorities in Duala and Bamun societies, analyzing the complex dynamics of power, cultural exchange, and resistance that defined postcolonial history in Cameroon.
- The dynamics of implantation and colonial domination over indigenous political entities.
- The reciprocal influence and adaptation between German colonial rule and traditional Duala and Bamun leadership.
- The impact of German administration on political, economic, and socio-cultural structures.
- The role of traditional chieftaincies as both administrative auxiliaries and centers of resistance.
- The instrumentalization of local culture, trade, and language within the colonial framework.
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I. CONSTRUCTING THE OBJECT OF STUDY
According to Pierre BOURDIEU, "to construct a scientific object is, first and foremost, to break with common sense, i.e. representations shared by all, whether they be the simple commonplaces of ordinary existence or official representations, often inscribed in institutions, and therefore both in the objectivity of social representations and in brains. The preconstructed is everywhere". The scientific object is the fact to be observed, in order to grasp and make visible the imperceptible aspects of its nature to the naked eye.
To a certain extent, this means either breaking with certain old foundations, or revisiting them to create a new structure. In other words, we need to grasp its essence, locate its interest, define its limits and form, identify its problems and related solutions, in order to better situate its value. Indeed, the German colonial administration established its domination over local entities, notably the traditional Duala and Bamun political powers, by applying the principle of "divide and rule".
In this context, the antagonisms between King BELL and King AKWA were repeatedly used by the German authorities to control trade and other commercial transactions. In addition, Duala chiefs opposed the expropriation policy, either by leading armed attacks or by sending numerous petitions to the German Parliament. This led to the hanging of King Rudolf DUALA MANGA BELL and his secretary NGOSSO DIN on August 08, 1914. The Bamun kingdom, on the other hand, adopted a more conciliatory policy. King NJOYA used cunning, exchanged gifts and created a religious syncretism to keep up with the Germans. Moreover, the Bamun warriors took part in the conquest of their Bansoh brothers, and in the process recovered the head of King NSANGU.
However, it should not be assumed that these adaptations were solely the work of local authorities. The German colonial authorities also made compromises to establish their supremacy. As far as land policy was concerned, the German colonial authorities delayed at all costs the process of repairing the damage caused by the forced expropriation of land on the Joss Plateau and elsewhere.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter I: Analyzes the spatial and territorial principles behind German colonial expansion and the initial strategies for establishing administration in Duala and Bamun territories.
Chapter II: Examines the conflictual dynamics and logics of German domination over traditional Duala and Bamun political powers, detailing the methods of control and the resulting tensions.
Chapter III: Explores the situational pragmatism of the German colonial administration regarding the Duala chiefs, focusing on financial dependencies and rivalries.
Chapter IV: Investigates the adaptation of the German colonial administration to Bamun traditional governance, highlighting the diplomatic and cultural interactions involving King Njoya.
Keywords
German colonial administration, Traditional political powers, Duala society, Bamun society, Cameroon political history, King Njoya, King Bell, King Akwa, Expropriation, Land tenure, Colonial domination, Indirect rule, Resistance, Cultural hybridity, Political power
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
This work provides an analysis of the relationship between the German colonial administration and the traditional Duala and Bamun political powers in Cameroon from 1884 to 1916.
What are the primary areas of interest?
The study centers on the mechanisms of colonial implantation, the mutual degree of influence between colonial and traditional systems, and the socio-political transformations within these two specific traditional groups.
What is the main research objective?
The primary aim is to demonstrate that both Duala and Bamum societies did not merely endure colonial rule but actively participated in, benefited from, and suffered under the expansions and adaptations of the German colonial administration.
Which scientific methodology underpins the work?
The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing principally from political anthropology, sociology, and historical analysis to construct its framework.
What key aspects of the colonial experience are covered?
The investigation covers land expropriation, economic shifts such as the transition to cash crops, the role of missionaries, and the use of "divide and rule" tactics by colonial administrators.
Which terms are defining for this work?
Central keywords include colonial administration, traditional chieftaincies, political history, land expropriation, and the dynamics of power between indigenous rulers and European powers.
How did King Njoya demonstrate political intelligence?
King Njoya utilized diplomacy, religious syncretism, and the adoption of modern technologies such as photography and writing to protect his kingdom's autonomy and project prestige to the German colonizers.
What was the role of the Ngondo assembly?
The Ngondo served as a traditional assembly of the Duala people, acting as a site for political coordination, collective identity, and resistance against colonial policies.
- Quote paper
- Patricia Etonde (Author), 2023, The German Colonial Administration and the Traditional Powers Duala and Bamum. An Analysis of Cameroon's Political History, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1466426
