Franco-Hova Wars
1895 CE
The Franco-Hova Wars or Franco-Malagasy Wars comprise two French military interventions in Madagascar between 1883 and 1896 that overthrow the ruling monarchy of the Merina Kingdom, and result in Madagascar becoming a French colony.
Hova refers to a class within the Merina social structure.
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The French largely end the attempts of Malagasy rulers to stymie foreign influence by declaring a protectorate over the entire island in 1894.
A protectorate over northwest Madagascar, based on treaties signed with the Sakalava during the 1840s, has existed since 1882, but Queen Ranavalona III refuses to recognize the 1894 effort to subordinate her kingdom to French rule.
As a result, a French expeditionary force occupies Antananarivo in September 1895.
A wave of antiforeign, anti-Christian rioting ensues.
In 1896 France declares Madagascar a French colony and deports the queen and the prime minister—first to Reunion, then to Algeria.
France makes Madagascar a Protectorate in 1895.