Form 1:

EARLY MAN AND HIS AREA OF SETTLEMENT

The early man was the first person to live on the planet earth. The early man was also called a primitive man because;
he had no home and thus lived in the forest and in caves. They were just like apes and came to be called
hominids.
Archaeologists have discovered that the origin of man can be traced from Africa as the skeleton of hominids which are
considered as the ancestor of the modern man were found in Tanzania East Africa, and Kenya.
Characteristics of Early Man
1. Shelter: The early man (men and women) did not live in houses. They slept in caves, under rocks and trees.
2. Food: they ate raw food when they had not discovered fire. They gathered fruits from trees ate roots of trees
and
drank rain water. Hunted animals for foodPage 7
3. Clothes: They did not wear clothes. They used barks of trees and leaves to cover themselves from cold.
4. Tools: They used simple tools made of stones, wood, bone of animals and stones for protection.
5. Communication: Communicated with gesture and basic signs
Types/forms of early man
The early hominids can be classified into different forms, according to the period they lived.
a) Australopithecus: They were short, strong and had large jaws to enable him chew strong or tough food.
They
were found in East and Southern Africa. They were called Australopithecus which means Southern ape.
b) Homo Erectus: Called the upright man. They were erected and seen as decendance of modern man. They were
very clever than Australopithecus. Their remains were found in Africa and Asia.
c) Homo Sapiens: Homo Sapiens also called the “wise man”, “the thinking man” or the “modern man”.
Homo
sapiens had larger brains and very high intelligence. Homo sapiens are the ancestors of modern man.
d) The Neanderthal man: There were discovered around the Neanderthal river in East Germany during the Old Stone
Age. He was very short with low brain)
e) The Cro-Magnon Man: The Cro-Magnon man was taller than the Neanderthal man, had a very big brain
capacity
and more intelligent
f) The Rhodesian man: This form was found in Rhodesia which is presently Zimbabwe.
The development of man
The early man underwent many stages of development called ages. Each stags was measured following the tools the
people used so as to live in their environment. Actually, there existed two main ages namely:
1. Stone age
2. Metal or iron age
A) STONE AGE: This was a period when early men used tools or weapons made from stones. The Stone
Age
was divided into 2 namely the Old stone age and the New Stone Age
i. The Old Stone Age: This Age also called the Paleolithic Age. Early men during this age lived by hunting and
fishing. They moved from place to place in search of food. The Old Stone Age is also divided into the
Neanderthal and the Cro-Magnon periods.
Achievements of the Old Stone Age
The achievements of the early man during this period included:
1. Early man made tools and weapons such as knives, spear heads, arrow heads and chisels.
2. Early man discovered fire by accident by striking two volcanic stones together
3. Early man was able to cover himself with clothes made from animal‟s skins, backs and leaves of trees.
4. Early man lived in caves.
5. They developed a means of communication, using sounds to pass out information and ideas.
ii. The New Stone Age: The Age is also called the Neolithic Age. Early man during this period stopped
wandering from place and began to settle in groups. This period lasted from around 40,000 to 4,000 BC.
Characteristics of the Neolithic age
1. Development of agriculture: People began to domesticate plants (wheat and barley) and animals
(goats and sheep), leading to settled community and agricultural practices
2. Permanent settlements: Neolithic people established permanent villages and towns.
3. Tool development: New stone tools such as polished axes were developed for farming and other
tasks.
4. Pottery: Neolithic people created pottery (vessels for storage and cooking )
5. Trade networks: Trade networks emerged, allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas.
6. Social hierarchies: Neolithic societies developed social hierarchies, with evidence of inequality and
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7. Symbolic expression: Neolithic people expressed themselves through art, personal adornments, and
ritual practices.
8. Domestication of animals: Animals like sheep, goats, and cattle were domesticated for food, clothing,
and labour.
9. Common belief: Settlement enabled the belief in a divine creator who made rain to fall, fruits to ripen
and healed illnesses
B) THE IRON AGE
The Iron Age is therefore a period in early history starting about 1100BC, when iron was used for tools. During
this
period, copper and tin were discovered and twisted to make utensils like cups, spoons and plates. A mixture
of
copper and tin later gave a birth to stronger metal called bronze. Bronze was harder than copper and tin. Tools
like
hoes, dig axes, hammer axes cutlasses etc. were made.
The spread of iron
Iron was first discovered by an Asian race called the Hittites. The Hittites were later conquered by the Assyrians who
learned the secret of Iron. The Egyptians later conquered the Assyrians and the secret of Iron spread to Egypt. The
knowledge of Iron later spread to Sudan (Meroe) and Ethiopia (Aksum) and to other parts of Africa.
Importance of using Iron
a) With Iron weapons, man was able to move about safely
b) Man had better tools and weapons to protect himself from wild animals
c) Man was able to cultivate larger portions of land than before
d) Man had enough food and was able to eat better than before.
EARLY CIVILIZATION
Definition: civilization can be defined as a state of human progress or development. In a civilized society, there‟s law,
peace and an administration that is not corrupt.
Early civilizations developed in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Far East and the Americas

Form 2:
PRE-COLONIAL CAMEROON: THE DIFFERENT SOCIO-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
GENERALITIES ON STATE LIKE AND STATELESS SOCIETIES IN PRE COLONIAL CAMEROON
INTRODUCTION:

In pre-colonial Cameroon, most societies were either state-like or stateless. This could be attributed to their
nature of
governance, political organization, Regulatory societies etc. The word state comes from the word “status” which means
to stand.
Definition of State-like or Stateless societies
a) State-like societies (Stratified, centralized, structured etc) were societies with well-organized political
structures
and centralized system of government e.g Nso, Bali, Kom, Bafut, Bamum etc
b) Stateless societies (Decentralized, equalitarian, egalitarian, Acephalous) were societies with no central
administrative rule or political organization e.g Duala, Bakweri, Bassa, Bakossi etc
Characteristics of state-like societies
1. Centralized system of administration with power in the hands of the Fon
2. The Fon was the most important person in the society
3. Presence of regulatory societies that could question the authority of the Fon e.g Ngwerong in Nso, Ngumba in Bali,
Kwifon in Kom etc
4. The presence of war clubs e.g mfu in Nso, manjong in Bafut etc
5. Found mostly in the Western grasslands and the Adamawa Emirates e.g Nso, Bali, Bafut, Kom, Bamum etc
Characteristics of stateless societies
1. Presence of a decentralize administration
2. Presence of secret societies
3. Power was controlled by lineage heads
4. Presence of military organizations e.g. Ngondo in Douala, Ahon in Bakossi
5. Found in the forest and coastal regions of Cameroon e.g Bakossi, Bakweri, Bassa etc
CASE STUDY OF STATE-LIKE SOCIETY
THE NSO FONDOM
Origin and location
The Nso Fondom was the largest Tikar group that migrated from the upper Mbam region and was founded in
the 14th
century by Ngonso. It is a Fondom found in the Western grassland region of Cameroon. This Fondom is a
perfect
example of a state-like society in Cameroon.
A) Political organization
a) Chieftaincy: The chief of the Nso Fondom was called the Fon and he performed the following functions:-
1. Was head of the political administration
2. Decided on matters of war and peace
3. Performed traditional rites
4. Offered sacrifices to the gods.
b) Regulatory society: It was called Ngwerong and it performed the following functions:-
1. Regulated the power of the Fon so as to avoid abuse of power
2. Maintained law and order
3. Punished defaulters of Nso laws and customs
4. Promoted Nso custom and tradition
5. Settled disputes and conflicts within the palace and communityPage 25
6. Performed rites and rituals e.g the coronation of a new fon
c) Traditional Council: The members of this council were called the Vibai and performed the following
functions:-
into;
1. Controlled large portions of lands
2. Advised the Fon on important issues.
3. Acted as representatives of the Fon in their various areas of jurisdiction
d) Judiciary: The Nso council was called the Tikumbu council and the Fon was the head of this council.
It performed the following functions:-.
1. It passed judgment on different disputes and matters in the land.
e) Seven Royal wives: known as the kfeum SE Fon and they advised the Fon on women matters.
f) The Army: The army in the Nso Fondom was called Mfu and its leader was Mformi. The mfu was divided
1. Mfu gham let by Mformi gham
2. Mfu Baa let by Mformi Baa.
The mfu fought wars of expansion and defended the Nso from external attacks
B) Social organization of Nso
a) Religion: The Nso practiced Ancestral worshipping. The Lavwong was a religious shrine in the Fondom
where people communicated with the gods
b) Secret societies: The Nso Fondom had two secret societies that is, Nwerong( protectors of the land)
and Ngiri( Those from the royal lineage)
c) Class stratification: Nso society was divided into four social classes
i. Wanto - children of the palace
ii. Nshilafsi - Palace workers
iii. Duiy - descendants of the sons of the previous fons
iv. Mtaar - commoners
C) Economic organization
a) Trade: The Nso were great traders in kolanuts and other food items
b) Agriculture: agriculture was the main activity of the Nso. They cultivated crops like corn, millet, beans,
Cassava etc
c) Craft: They were also great craftsmen who fabricated fiber bags, clothes and caps, carved stools, statues,
masks etc

Form3:
Effects of the European scramble on Cameroon
A. Positive effects
1. It brought peace and stability to Cameroon
2. It led to the introduction of plantation agriculture in Cameroon which provided employment to
CamerooniansPage 37
3. It led to the introduction of new crops in Cameroon like cocoa, coffee etc
4. It led to the complete abolition of the slave trade and slavery along the coast and the interior
5. It improved the infrastructural development of Cameroon as new roads, railways, bridges were constructed
6. It led to the introduction of western civilization to Cameroon
7. It led to the introduction of western education in Cameroon
B. Negative effects
1. It led to the seizure of native lands without compensation
2. It led to the introduction of European harsh policies in Cameroon like public flogging, harsh labour, etc
3. It led to the exploitation of Cameroonian resources and raw materials
4. It led to wars of resistances especially against the Germans leading to loss of lives and destructions of
properties
5. It led to the destruction of important native, customs and traditions
6. It led to the introduction of taxes on Cameroonians like the dog tax, head tax etc
7. It led to the destruction of Cameroonian traditional institutions
Contributions of European traders, missionaries and local chiefs to the scramble for Cameroon
a. Contribution of European traders to the scramble for Cameroon
1. The European traders convinced the local chiefs to write letters to their home government requesting annexation
2. European traders signed several treaties with the coastal chiefs
3. European traders provided financial assistance to their home government for the annexation of Cameroon
4. European traders held night meetings with local chiefs requesting for annexation
5. European traders provided gifts and bribes to convince the local chiefs to accept the annexation of Cameroon
6. European traders gave credit to local chiefs and middlemen (trust system) and this won favour from the people
7. European traders pressurised their home government to annex Cameroon
8. The traders established trade links with the people of the Cameroon coast which led to the growth of
friendship
between the traders and the natives
9. European traders send reports to their home government which made them see the economic potential of
Cameroon
b. Contribution of European missionaries to the scramble for Cameroon
1. The missionaries through their preachings helped to soften the minds of Cameroonians to accept annexation
2. The missionaries mounted pressure on their home government to annex Cameroon
3. The missionaries helped the chiefs to write letters requesting for annexation
4. The missionaries through their activities (opening of schools, health centres, evangelization, abolition of slave trade
5. The missionaries themselves wanted protection and so requested their home government to annex Cameroon
c. Contributions of local chiefs to the scramble for Cameroon
1. The local chiefs accepted bribes and gifts from European traders for annexation
2. The local chiefs signed trade and annexation treaties with European traders .e.g the treaties signed between
French traders and king Pass All of Malimba and King Williams of Big Batanga
3. The local chiefs were heavily indebted to European traders and this influenced them to accept annexation
4. The local chiefs prepared the terms of the King Memorandum or Pre-Liminary treaty
5. The local chiefs repeated appealed to European powers for annexation. e.g the Duala kings in the letter of 7th
August 1879 etc
6. The local chiefs held night meetings with the Germans to discuss terms of annexations
7. The local chiefs acted as intermediaries between the natives and European powers
8. Local chiefs offered their territories as trading stations and naval bases
9. The local chiefs collaborated with the missionaries whose activities influenced the request for annexation
d. Contributions of European explorers to the scramble for CameroonPage 38
1. European explorers discovered strategic site and informed their home government e.g the Douala coastline,
natural harbour in Victoria, Tiko, Ambas bay etc
2. European explorers discovered touristic attractions such as Mount Cameroon, water falls in Kribi, sand beaches
in Limbe etc
3. European explorers created transport routes into the interior of Cameroon
4. They provided vital information to missionaries, traders and colonial administration about the terrain of Cameroon
5. European explorers equally discovered the economic potentials of Cameroon e.g fertile soils on the slope of
mount Cameroon, tropical timber and rubber etc
Assignments
1. Outline the contributions of the following to the European scramble for Cameroon
a. British officials (Consul Hewett, Captain Brooke, Lt Moore)
b. German officials (Gustav Nachtigal, Max Butcher, Herr Moebuis, Emile Schultze, Otto von Bismarck)
Efforts made by the local chiefs towards the British annexation of Cameroon
The request for the British annexation of Cameroon
By the end of the 18th century Britain had become the dominant European powers trading along the coast of
Cameroon. Trade between the British and the coastal Cameroonians chiefs became more and more friendly.
By 1868, the British had established many trading firms along the coast of Cameroon.
As a result of the friendly trading relations between the British and Cameroonian king and chiefs, series of
appeals were made by Cameroonians kings and chiefs calling on the British government to come and annex
Cameroon.
In 1833 for example, the coastal Cameroonian chiefs living between Bimbia and Rio del Rey led by King
Williams of Bimbia offered their territory to the British Crown calling on the British to give them protection.
In 1864, some Duala chiefs led by King Bell called on the Queen of England to come and annex their
territories
However the first formal appeal letter came from a group of Duala chiefs led by King Akwa on the 7th of
August 1879. The letter was titled “Dearest Madam”, addressed to the queen of England (Queen Victoria)
With no reply, in March 1881 King Bell wrote again through Consul Hewett reminding the British to come and
annex their territory but there was no reply.
Still with no reply, in November 1881 King Bell and Akwa wrote a joined letter to the British Prime Minister
Williams Gladstone requested for British annexation. This letter fell again on deaf ears.
Reasons why Cameroonian Kings and Chiefs preferred British annexation
1. The chiefs though the British would maintained their position as chiefs
2. The Chiefs preferred British annexation because trade between the British and the natives was more profitable
3. The Chiefs preferred British annexation because they were happy with British firms along the coast that
provided
employment to Cameroonians
4. The chiefs were happy with the good work of the English Baptist Missionaries along the coast of Cameroon.
They
opened schools where Cameroonians were taught how to read and write and health centers where Cameroonian
who fell sick were treated for free.
5. The chiefs were satisfied with the annual dash (monthly allowance) given to them by the British
government for
the abolition of the slave trade.
6. The chiefs were satisfied with the titles given them by British official and traders such as Kings, Chiefs, Dukes etc
7. The chiefs were happy with the “Pidgin English” that facilitated communication between the natives and the British
along the coast
8. English laws and customs in neighbouring Calabar impressed the coastal Cameroonian chiefs who also wanted to
be like Calabar.
9. The chiefs thought the British would maintain law and order and stop inter-tribal wars in Cameroon
10. Pressure from British missionaries and traders influenced the coastal chiefs to prefer British annexation
11. The chiefs thought the British would maintain the middle man monopoly of tradePage 39
12. The chiefs were happy with the British government for the role she played in the abolition of the slave
trade
along the coast of Cameroon
13. The chiefs wanted the British to protect them against their subjects and restore their authority
14. The chiefs wanted British protection against the French who were advancing from the south toward the coast
15. The chiefs believed that Britain would introduce western civilization and Christianity which would put an end to
murder and idol worshiping.
Why Britain was reluctant to annex Cameroon
Inspite of the 1833, 1864, August 1879, March 1881 and November 1881 appeals from Cameroonian Kings and Chiefs
requesting for British annexation, the British government remained reluctant or not willing. The following reasons would
explain why Britain was reluctant to annex Cameroon.
1. Britain was reluctant because she felt that she already had enough territories along the coast of West Africa like
Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone etc
2. The conflicting views between the British foreign office and the British colonial office over the annexation
of
Cameroon made the British government reluctant to annex Cameroon. The British foreign office wanted annexation
while the colonial office was against.
3. The presence of tropical diseases like malaria, sleeping sickness, small pox, yellow fever etc that had
claimed the lives of many Europeans discouraged the British government to annex Cameroon
4. Britain felt that other no other European power was interested in annexing Cameroon. This made her reluctant
5. British desire to avoid colonial conflict with other European powers over Cameroon made she reluctant to annex
Cameroon
6. British desire to avoid wars with the hostile interior tribes made her reluctant to annex Cameroon
7. The decline in British trade along the coast of Cameroon discouraged the British government to annex to annex
the territory
8. Britain had confidence in former treaties of friendship and commerce signed with coastal Cameroonian kings
and chiefs who had agreed not to favour any other European powers than Britain. This made Britain reluctant
to annex Cameroon
9. Britain was reluctant because she thought that Cameroon was poor economically and annexing it would be an
extra financial burden to British tax payers
10. The discovery of gold in South Africa increased British interest in the territory that she considered richer than
Cameroon.
11. The unwillingness of British traders to finance the annexation of Cameroon made Britain reluctant to
annex
Cameroon
12. The fact that Britain did not consider French advancement from the south towards the coast as a
threat,
made she reluctant to annex Cameroon.
Why Britain later changed her mind infavour of the annexation of Cameroon
OR
Why Britain later changed her attitude and entered the race to annex Cameroon
1. Pressure from British traders on British government made her to change her mind infavour of the annexation of
Cameroon
2. The French advancement from the Southern coast of Cameroon towards the West threatened British
commercial interest which influenced her to change her mind infavour of annexation
3. Britain later discovered that the foot of Mt Cameroon had fertile soils suitable for plantation agriculture and
good climate for European settlement. This made her to change her mind infavour of annexation
4. British desire to maintain her position as the leading European power along the coast of Cameroon
influenced her to change her mind infavour of annexation
5. Pressure from British missionaries (English Baptist Missionary Society) on British government made her to
change her mind infavour of the annexation of Cameroon
6. Britain later discovered the German secret plan to annex Cameroon. This made her reluctant to change
her
mind infavour of annexationPage 40
7. The desire for prestige (pride) influenced Britain to change her mind infavour annexation. She felt that it was be
disgraceful to Britain if Cameroon was annex either by France or Germany.
8. British desire to protect her trade in Cameroon influenced her to change her mind infavour of annexation
9. British desire to abolish the native middle man monopoly of trade and buy directly from the interior at
a
cheaper price influenced her to change her mind infavour of annexation