Franco-Hova Wars

Quick Facts: Who was Franco-Hova Wars?

Subject:

Franco-Hova Wars

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French military interventions (1883–1896) that ended Malagasy independence.

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Origins & Early Life

The Franco-Hova Wars, also known as the Franco-Malagasy Wars, were two French military interventions in Madagascar between 1883 and 1896 that overthrew the ruling monarchy of the Merina Kingdom, and resulted in Madagascar becoming a French colony. The term "Hova" referred to a social class within the Merina class structure. Beginning with the arrival of European powers to Madagascar, the United Kingdom and France both developed ambitions to control Madagascar, a rich island with strategic importance in regard to the sea passage to India. Despite this, the Merina Kingdom of Madagascar had steadfastly managed to maintain its independence during the 19th century. Defense of the island was aided by its size and diversity of terrain, the nation's organized military and government structures, and the prevalence of tropical diseases, which often proved deadly to Europeans.

Career & Major Achievements

The first significant European influence in Imerina was the arrival of a handful of British missionaries in the capital of Antananarivo in 1820 during the reign of Radama I, who invited them to establish schools and teach the Merina free populace how to read. Several years into the reign of Queen Ranavalona I, which began in 1828, the monarchy became increasingly disapproving of the growing popularity of the Christianity that the missionaries had introduced, and encouraged them to cease teaching religion while continuing to provide technical and vocational training to create a cadre of skilled craftsmen. She successfully repelled French attacks on Foulepointe and other coastal cities. During several periods, Ranavalona's restrictions on the practice of Christianity minimized European presence on the island. Upon Ranavalona's death, her son succeeded her as King Radama II in 1861.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As prince, he had already made concessions to Joseph-François Lambert, a Frenchman who had resided at Ranavalona's court and assisted in the development of numerous resources. The Lambert Charter Radama had approved conceded significant tracts of land to Lambert in neglect of the island-wide significance attached to ancestral land. In addition, the French government received a letter purportedly written by the prince, requesting French military aid to depose his mother. The origins and authenticity of the letter are disputed, and the British alleged that it was crafted by Jean Laborde (particularly since it was written in French, a language Radama did not know how to write in) to support French military intervention on the island. After a brief reign, Radama was strangled in an 1863 coup d'etat termed the Aristocratic Revolution.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1820: 1820 Milestone — The first significant European influence in Imerina was the arrival of a handful of British missionaries in the capital of Antananarivo in 1820 during the reign of Radama I, who invited them to establish schools and teach the Merina free populace how to read.
2. 1828: 1828 Milestone — Several years into the reign of Queen Ranavalona I, which began in 1828, the monarchy became increasingly disapproving of the growing popularity of the Christianity that the missionaries had introduced, and encouraged them to cease teaching religion while continuing to provide technical and vocational training to create a cadre of skilled craftsmen.
3. 1861: 1861 Milestone — Upon Ranavalona's death, her son succeeded her as King Radama II in 1861.
4. 1863: 1863 Milestone — After a brief reign, Radama was strangled in an 1863 coup d'etat termed the Aristocratic Revolution.
5. 1883: 1883 Milestone — The Franco-Hova Wars, also known as the Franco-Malagasy Wars, were two French military interventions in Madagascar between 1883 and 1896 that overthrew the ruling monarchy of the Merina Kingdom, and resulted in Madagascar becoming a French colony.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Franco-Hova Wars

True or False: “The Merina Kingdom maintained its complete sovereignty over Madagascar throughout the entire 19th century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While they resisted European powers for much of the century, the kingdom eventually succumbed to French military intervention between 1883 and 1896.

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