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Nationalism, Grassfields Tradition, and State Building in Cameroon

Ben Hayes

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Published in Nation Of Outlaws State Of Violence: Nationalism Grassfields Tradition And State Building In Cameroon (New African Histories)

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A History of the Bamenda Grassfields

Nationalism is a powerful force that has shaped the history of the world over the past two centuries. It has led to the creation of new nations, the overthrow of colonial empires, and the rise of new global powers. But what is nationalism? And how does it work?

In this groundbreaking book, historian Godfrey Tangwa examines the complex and often contradictory relationship between nationalism and tradition in Cameroon. Drawing on extensive archival research and oral histories, Tangwa traces the development of nationalism in the Bamenda Grassfields region of Cameroon from the late 19th century to the present day. He argues that nationalism in the Bamenda Grassfields has been shaped by a complex interplay of local traditions, colonial policies, and global forces.

Nation of Outlaws, State of Violence: Nationalism, Grassfields Tradition, and State Building in Cameroon (New African Histories)

by Meredith Terretta

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3159 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	368 pages

Tangwa begins his book by exploring the pre-colonial history of the Bamenda Grassfields. He shows how the region was home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and political system. The arrival of European colonizers in the late 19th century disrupted this traditional way of life, and the Bamenda Grassfields was eventually incorporated into the German colony of Kamerun.

Under German rule, the Bamenda Grassfields underwent a number of changes. The Germans introduced a new system of administration, taxation, and education. They also encouraged the spread of Christianity. These changes had a profound impact on the traditional way of life in the Bamenda Grassfields.

After World War I, the Bamenda Grassfields was transferred from German to British control. The British continued many of the policies that the Germans had put in place. However, they also introduced some new policies, such as the Indirect Rule system. This system allowed traditional rulers to continue to govern their people, but under the supervision of British officials.

The Indirect Rule system had a mixed impact on the Bamenda Grassfields. On the one hand, it allowed traditional rulers to maintain some of their authority. On the other hand, it also led to the erosion of traditional values and customs.

In the 1950s, the Bamenda Grassfields became part of the newly independent state of Cameroon. The Cameroonian government continued to use the Indirect Rule system to govern the region. However, the government also began to implement new policies that were designed to promote national unity. These policies included the promotion of a single national language, the suppression of traditional religions, and the of a new education system.

The Cameroonian government's policies had a mixed impact on the Bamenda Grassfields. On the one hand, they helped to create a sense of national unity. On the other hand, they also led to the further erosion of traditional values and customs.

In the 1990s, the Cameroonian government began to implement a new policy of decentralization. This policy gave more power to local governments. The decentralization policy has had a positive impact on the Bamenda Grassfields. It has allowed local governments to better address the needs of their people. It has also helped to revive traditional values and customs.

Nationalism, Grassfields Tradition, and State Building in Cameroon is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the complex and often contradictory relationship between nationalism and tradition in Cameroon. Tangwa's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of Cameroon and the challenges that the country faces today.

Nation of Outlaws, State of Violence: Nationalism, Grassfields Tradition, and State Building in Cameroon (New African Histories)

by Meredith Terretta

4.1 out of 5