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Aug 10, 1500
Discovery and Facts/Info
According to the internet, Madagascar has been known as an Island for approximately 160 million years and was also known to have breaker away and separate from Africa 160 million years ago. Madagascar is located in the eastern coast of Africa, It is considered the fourth largest island in the world. Madagascar was discovered by Diego Dias on August 10, 1500. It was named St. Lawrence or in Portuguese, Sao Lourenco. The name eventually became changed. -
The Sakalava people and their arrival
The Sakalava people arrived in Madagascar in the 1650s. They established their kingdoms there. There are considered one of Madagascars ethnic groups. They are mainly located on the northern and western parts/regions of the island. There are around 2 million part of the Sakalava tribe/people. There primary languages are a version of Malagasy also knows as Sakalava Malagasy and French. For their religion, they are a mix of Christianity, Fomba Gasy which is their main language and they are Islamic -
Christianity coming to Madagascar
Christianity arrived to Madagascar in 1818. Christianity/the gospel was spread there. It was mainly spread through missionaries that were protestant that belonged to the London Missionary Society (LMS). Before christianity was spread there, it was attempted to by the Portuguese. The growth of Christianity in Madagascar made a big impact on many, there were schools being established and the Bible was even translated in there language which is Malagasy. -
French take control
The French took control of Madagascar in 1895. They were in control until 1960. The French took over Madagascar because they wanted to increase/expand their colonial empire in Africa. After taking control of Madagascar, the French abolished slavery and that resulted in the freedom of more than 500,000 slaves. There was conflict between the French and "Malagasy Guerrillas" and resulted in the deaths of more than 100,000 people part of the Malagasy. -
Abolishment of Slavery
The French government while being in control of Madagascar abolished/got rid of slavery in 1896. This was one year after the French government took control of Madagascar which ended up happening in 1895 which was the main part in the abolition of slavery process. Due to the actions of removing slavery, the Malagasy slave trade was lowered very significantly. This abolishment process also ended up giving freedom to an estimation of around 500 thousand slaves. -
The Attacks on Madagascar
Madagascar ended up being attacked on May 5, 1942 by the British forces names "Operation Ironclad." Madagascar was airstriked by the British forces. Their purpose/reason for attacking Madagascar was to capture the Island and the port of Diego Suarez (a large bay) to be able to prevent the Japanese navy from ever being able to use it. The battle lasted from May 5 to November 6 which is 6 months and 1 day and ended up resulting in an allied victory. -
Madagascar becomes a French territory
Madagascar becoming French territory was significant because it allowed France to control important islands in the Indian Ocean, allowing them to use its resources like timber and spices, while also leading to major social and political changes on the island, including the abolition of slavery and the imposition of French culture and language, although this was met with resistance from the Malagasy people through various uprisings before eventual independence in 1960. -
Government changes
The Government changed in 1971.
The 1971 government change in Madagascar marked the end of Philippe Tsiranana's pro-Western leadership. It was sparked by widespread unrest, particularly among students, demanding social reform. Tsiranana resigned in 1972, leading to a shift toward socialism. This transition shaped the nation's political trajectory, setting the stage for later instability under Marxist rule, and highlighting the broader trends of decolonization and anti-colonial nationalism. -
Madagascar constitution
Madagascar's 1992 constitution marked a significant political shift after years of instability. It introduced a more democratic framework, establishing a semi-presidential system and recognizing multi-party elections. The new constitution aimed to ensure greater political freedoms and human rights, reflecting the country's desire for stability and modernization after decades of authoritarian rule. It was a key step in transitioning toward a more democratic governance structure. -
Madagascar political crisis
In 2002 in the election, Marc Ravalomanana announces that we will be the president for Madagascar after claiming a victory in the December 2001 elections which had some issues or as stated on the internet "Political deadlocks" with Competitor Didier Ratsiraka. Due to all of this, there was conflict and violence between protesters. In April 2002, The winner of the polls in December was Marc Ravalomanana because of the Constitutional Court and after the recount which he won fairly.