Cameroon Colonial Records

German Kamerun (1884-1916)
The Germans established a trading post along the Kamerun River in 1868. In 1884, West African shipping companies petitioned the German Empire for protection and the protectorate of Kamerun was established. During World War I, British, French, and Belgian troops invaded the protectorate and in 1916 the last German fort surrendered. Through the Treaty of Versailles, it was divided between the British and French.

British Northern and Southern Cameroons (1919-1961)
During World War I, British, French, and Belgian troops invaded the German colony of Kamerun. In 1916, the last German fort surrendered. Through the Treaty of Versailles, it was divided between the British and French. The British Cameroons remained a colony until the formation of the Republic of Cameroon. In 1961, Northern Cameroons, which was predominantly Muslim, united with Nigeria, and Southern Cameroons joined the Federal Republic of Cameroun.

French Cameroun (1919-1961)
During World War I, British, French, and Belgian troops invaded the German colony of Kamerun. In 1916, the last German fort surrendered. Through the Treaty of Versailles, it was divided between the British and French. French Cameroons remained a colony until it became independent in 1960.