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Pomona College

Publication Date

Fall 2007

Program Name

Cameroon: Development and Social Change

Abstract

The Union des populations du Cameroun (UPC) changed roles from a peaceful political organization to an underground militant one in late April of 1955. This study examines the reasons for which this revolution occurred, attempting to find modern parallels, with the goal of discerning the possibility of a future revolution in Cameroon. Extensive primary sources from the period were consulted, in addition to interviews with historians and sociologists for historical background, while periodicals, official studies, political scientists and economists were consulted for contemporary issues. Several individuals who were alive during the Maquis period were also interviewed. The study found that while there are striking similarities between the present and the past, the causal conditions of the Maquis were initially nationalistic and philosophical, while revolutions in contemporary Cameroon would most likely be born from socio-economic frustration. Project limitations were time, travel limitations, and the population of sampling. Future studies in Douala, Mungo, and Sanaga Maritime are suggested.

Disciplines

Political Science | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

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