Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Madagascar becomes a French colony; Governor-General Joseph Gallieni de-
clares French the official language and sets about destroying the power of the
Merina and removing all British influence.
1930s
A Malagasy independence movement begins to gather momentum, fuelled by
resentment of the French colonials by a growing, educated middle class and led
by nationalist leader Jean Ralaimongo.
WWII
Madagascar is under the authority of the pro-Nazi Vichy French government.
Fearing the Japanese could use the island as a base, the Allies attack and capture
several towns.
1947
A rebellion led by Joseph Raseta and Joseph Ravoahangy is brutally suppressed
by the French; thousands of Malagasy are killed and the rebellion's leaders are
sent into exile.
26 June 1960
Madagascar gains full independence from France in a peaceful transition;
Philibert Tsiranana is elected president, though in effect the French still run the
country and maintain military bases.
1975
General Gabriel Ramanantsoa steps down after coup attempts; his followers ap-
point Admiral Didier Ratsiraka as leader. Ratsiraka adopts Soviet-style ideology
and cuts ties with France, leading to economic decline.
Late 1970s
Ratsiraka pushes his nationalist agenda; French is no longer taught in primary
schools and he decrees that towns must be known by their Malagasy names.
1991
Economic decline ignites widespread strikes and protests; the 'Third Republic'
calls for elections but Ratsiraka refuses to step down. Opposition leader Albert
Zafy is eventually elected president in 1993.
1996
