WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Eager to expand and anxious to make its conquests secure, France finally annexed Madagascar by force. It officially became a French colony on 6 August 1896. Throughout the colonial period, France exercised total control over the economy, the administration and the army.

Detailed explanation-2: -The French colonial empire in the Americas comprised New France (including Canada and Louisiana), French West Indies (including Saint-Domingue, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Tobago and other islands) and French Guiana. French North America was known as ‘Nouvelle France’ or New France.

Detailed explanation-3: -In 1883, France invaded Madagascar and by 1896 had established rule over the island, which became a French colony. France used Madagascar as a source for timber and exotic spices, like vanilla.

Detailed explanation-4: -Madagascar became a French overseas territory in 1946. In 1958 France agreed to let the territory decide its own fate. As the Malagasy Republic, it gained independence in 1960 and severed ties with France in the 1970s. Following a period of military rule that began in 1972, civilian administration resumed in 1975.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Sakalava and Merina Kingdoms Before France achieved full control of Madagascar in 1867, the island country was governed by tribal rulers in the 17th to the early 18th century.