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, the German colony of Kamerun was invaded by British, French, and Belgian troops. In 1916 the last German fort surrendered. During the Treaty of Versailles the territory was divided between the British and French. 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, the German colony of Kamerun was invaded by British, French, and Belgian troops. In 1916 the last German fort surrendered. During the Treaty of Versailles the territory was divided between the British and French. In 1960, French Cameroun became independent.

Republic of Cameroon (1961-present)
Became a republic 1 January 1960, and includes the areas known previously as French Cameroun and British Southern Cameroons.