Madagascar

This country is currently the Republic of Madagascar, although in former times it was known as the Malagasy Republic. It is believed the island was first inhabited by Bantu-speaking settlers crossing from present day Mozambique, although there is some evidence to suggest previous inhabitants. Arabs and other East Africans first made contact with the native tribes during the 7th century, when trading posts were first established along the island's coasts. Several chiefdoms were established during the Middle Ages, each laying claims to control over large areas of the island, and growing in wealth and power proportionate to the amount of trade they were able to engage in. These powerful regional monarchs became known as the Maroserana. Portuguese explorers first made contact with the island in 1500, but they were never successful in establishing a trading colony. From around 1774 to 1824, however, Madagascar was a favorite haunt for pirates, who raided along the entire African east coast.

King Radama I, son of the Merina King Andrianampoinimerina, is credited with expanding his rule over neighboring principalities and bringing the entire nation under one monarch. Radama radified a treaty with the British governor of Mauritius to abolish slavery, and throughout the 19th century an influx of European artisans and educators helped modernize the nation and institute literacy classes for some of the population. His successor, Queen Ranavalona I, however, issued a royal edict prohibiting the practice of Christianity and expelling all foreigners from the island, leaving the island open to harsh criticism and colonialism in the years to come.

France invaded the island in 1883 in what became known as the Franco-Hova War, by the end of which French forces overthrew the ruling monarchy and established the nation as a French protectorate in 1896. The French continued modernization by establishing plantations for various export crops, and constructing schools, railways, roads and other modern conveniences. Between 1947 and 1948, however, a wave of nationalism spread over the population and the French response to the Malagasy Uprising caused tens of thousands of deaths. By 1956, however, France was open to a peaceful movement towards independence, which was eventually attained on June 26, 1960.