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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Charles Atangana of Yaounde |
Author: | Quinn, Frederick |
Year: | 1980 |
Periodical: | The Journal of African History |
Volume: | 21 |
Issue: | 4 |
Pages: | 485-495 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Kamerun Cameroon |
Subjects: | colonial administration traditional rulers History and Exploration |
External link: | https://www.jstor.org/stable/182006 |
Abstract: | Born as one of several hundred headmen's sons, Charles Atangana (c. 1880-1943) began life with few advantages. He was not even in line to succeed his father. His education under the Germans and his service with then as cler interpreter, judge and Paramount Chief moved him to positions of power; his place was secure, the Beti looked to him as their intermediary and the Germans constantly sought his counsel. All this changed after World War I. His closeness to the Germans prejudiced him with the French and the chief's role became more profitable for its tax rebates, but less attractive because of the growing estrangement between chiefs and people. His span of influence gradually diminished. Nothing in Atangana's life or temperament suggests that he ever considered resisting the Europeans. He actively supported the Koman Catholic missions throughout his life, and worked vigorously for public health projects, such as sleeping-sickness eradication. In Cameroon's history of the pre-World War II period, Atangana e erges as an important leader who steered what he saw as the only political course open to him. Notes, sum. |