History of Madagascar - French Colonization

French Colonization

The British accepts in the Berlin Treaty the claims of France to exert its influence on Madagascar and a treaty of alliance between France and Malagasy was signed in December 17, 1885 by Queen Ranavalona III.

Disagreements on the implementation of this treaty, serve as a pretext for the French invasion of 1895, which first met little resistance. The authority of the Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, in power since 1864, had indeed become very unpopular with the public.

The intention of the French was to first establish a simple protectorate system, affecting especially the control of the economy and foreign relations of the island. But later, the outbreak of the popular resistance of Menalamba and the arrival of General Gallieni responsible "pacify" the country 1896 lead to the annexation and the exile of the queen Algeria.

The British accepted the imposition of a French protectorate over Madagascar in 1890 in return for eventual British control over Zanzibar (subsequently part of Tanzania) and as part of an overall definition of spheres of influence in the area.

Malagasy troops fought in France, Morocco, and Syria during World War II. After France fell to the Germans in 1940, the Vichy government administered Madagascar until 1942, when British Empire troops occupied the strategic island in the Battle of Madagascar in order to preclude its seizure by the Japanese. The United Kingdom handed over control of the island to Free French Forces in 1943.