History of Madagascar

Diogo Diaz, a Portuguese explorer was the first European to sight Madagascar, naming it San Lorenzo (Ridgwell, 1937).

Party of 70 Portuguese established themselves on the south east of the island. The indigeous Malagasy killed all but 5 of them (Griffith, 1919)

Lost many of their men due to illness, and consequently nicknamed Madagascar 'The Dutchman's Graveyard' (Griffith, 1919).

The Dutch and the English both established rival settlements on Madagascar, both of which were ultimately abandoned (Griffith, 1919).

Cardinal de Richelieu formed a company with the aim of colonising Madagascar on a grand scale. However the attempt failed, as within 7 years fever had killed off most the French immigrants (Griffith, 1919).

Son of King Andrianampoinimerina.
Developed a friendly relationship with the Britain, with the securing of an alliance whereby the British had exclusive use of Madagascar regarding trade, whilst they supported his rule through the supplying of weapons and training. Consequently King Radama I was able to conquer most of the rest of the island.
He also invited the London Missionary Society to Madagascar to establish schools and churches (Bradt, 2011).

David Jones, from Wales, was the first missionary to settle in Antananarivo (Ridgwell, 1937).
He adapted the Latin alphabet for the Malagasy language, introduced the first printing press, and printed the Bible in Malagasy. He also set up a great number of schools.

Queen Ranavalona I was determined to rid Madagascar of Christianity and Europeans and forbade the practise of Christianity amongst the Malagasy.
Consequently most of the missionaries left the country, and many Madagascan were persecuted, tortured and even executed for their beliefs.

Ended with a treaty binding the Madagascan government to pay the sum of 10 million francs war indemnity to France, and the consent to be represented in all foreign relations by the Government of French Republic (Griffith, 1919).

Expeditionary force under the command of General Duchesne was dispatched to compel complete submission of the Malagasy.
Antananarivo fell on 1st October 1895.
Cost the French £2,600,000 and the lives of 5,756 men (almost entirely from disease, with only 25 French soldiers dying from actual fighting) (Griffin, 1919).