Timeline of Madagascar

This peace agreement gives France more influence on the activities of Madagascar.

France adds Madagascar as a colony and unifies it under a single government

When the Nazis took over France, they set up the Vichy government. This forced France's colonies to decide whether or not to fight German occupation or go with it. Madagascar chose to fight against the Nazis with the help of the British. The island remained occupied by the British until the Vichy commander retreated and later France was able to regain control.

The French crush the rebellion led by Jean Ralaimongo, and about 80,000 Malagasy are killed. This what became known as Martyr's Day which was first celebrated 20 years later in 1967.

Madagascar - renamed the Malagasy Republic - becomes autonomous within the French Community. This was a major step towards Malagasy independence.

Madagascar, now the Malagasy Republic gain independence from France.

Didier Ratsiraka takes control after three years of political instability. While in power, he nationalized institutions, launched social and economic reforms, and formed friendships with Communist states.

Malagasy people demand a new government after an economic collapse.

Albert Zafy wins a democratic election in 1992 after Ratsiraka and taken from power. He is later impeached by the National Assembly for continuously breaching the constitution and corruption.

Theresults of the presidential election between Didier Ratsiraka and Marc Ravalomanana are very close and Ravalomanana, saying the results were rigged declares himself president in Feb, 2002. Dieder Ratstiraka refuses to accept this and declaring marshall law, he leads his home town of Toasmasina as well as Antananarivo into turmoil. People starve, unemployment rates soar and roads and bridges are blocked. After monthss of this civil war, Ratsiraka flees to Seychelles ending the turmoil. 

After a recount, the High Council declares that Marc Ravalomanana won the presidential election with 52% of the vote.

After causing $7.6 million in damages after the 2002 election, Ratsiraka is sentenced to 12 years of hard labor.

In 2002, President Bush establishes the Millennium Challenge Account to fund honest governments for poorer countries.

The GDP of the average Malagasy is $300 per year. Most of the population (pop: 19 million) live on tiny plots of land.

Marc Ravalomanana is re-elected for his second term in office

Anddry Rajoelina was the mayor of Antananarivo at the time and challenged Ravalomana. He accused him of wrongly using public funds as well as being a dictator and ordered him to step down. Ravalomanana refused and this led to many political strikes and unprisings, some that were violent and deadly.

The military hands power to Andry Rajoelina after Marc Ravalomanana steps down. Andry Rajoelina, at 35 years-old, is the youngest president of Madagascar.

No longer favored by the public or supported by the army, Ravalomanana agreed to step down. Almost immediately after he stepped down, Andry Rajoelina declared himself president.

Just as the military had done so in 2009 with Ravalomanana, the military announced that it was deposing Andry Rajeolina. However, Rajeolina didn't feel threatened by this saying he was "not bothered by the declarations from a handful of people" and announced that he was still in charge.

In an effort to end a two-year political and economic crisis Rajeolina reappoints Camille Vital as the prime minister of a transitional government.

Vital and his government resign and Omer Briziky becomes the new prime minister.