Ranavalona III ruled from July
30, 1883 to February 28, 1897. Her Reign was marked by constant and ultimately
unsuccessful efforts to resist the colonial designs of the French government. Ranavalona
was selected from among several individuals qualified to succeed the previous ruler
upon her death. As did previous rulers, Ranavalona entered a political marriage
with a member of the Hova elite.
Queen Ranavalona tried to ward off colonization by strengthening
economic ties and diplomatic relations with the United States and Great
Britain. After numerous French attacks on costal towns and the eventual capture
of the royal palace, Ranavalona was deposed of power. She was exiled to Algiers, and although was
permitted to travel, was not allowed to return to Madagascar. After Ranavalona
died at the age of 55 in 1917, she was buried in Algeirs. Her remains were
eventually moved back to Madagascar and placed in a tomb on the grounds of the
Rova of Antananarivo.
-Michael
(All information from wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranavalona_III )
Very cool. I read a book this summer called The Glass Palace that was likewise a story about European colonization (in this case, the British colonized Burma for teak timber if I remember correctly?). Anyway, your mention of the then-ruler of Madagascar being deposed and then sent into exile so as to reduce their ability to spark any sort of uprising reminded me of this story. Nice post
ReplyDeleteDavid