Republic of Upper Volta

Quick Facts: Who was Republic of Upper Volta?

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Republic of Upper Volta

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West African nation that gained independence in 1960, now known as Burkina Faso.

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Origins & Early Life

The Republic of Upper Volta (French: République de Haute-Volta), or simply Upper Volta, was a landlocked West African country established on 11 December 1958 as a self-governing state within the French Community. Before becoming autonomous, it was part of the French Union as the French Upper Volta. On 5 August 1960, it gained full independence from France. On 4 August 1984, it changed its name to Burkina Faso. The name Upper Volta indicated that the country contains the upper part of the Volta River.

Career & Major Achievements

Upper Volta obtained independence on 5 August 1960, with Maurice Yaméogo of the Voltaic Democratic Union-African Democratic Rally (UDV-RDA) becoming the country's first president. A constitution was ratified the same year, establishing presidential elections by direct universal suffrage and a National Assembly, both with five-year terms. Shortly after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all political parties other than the UDV-RDA, as a result of a deep authoritarian streak that began prior to his presidency. Between the time he became prime minister of Upper Volta, while it was still a French colony, and independence two years later, his government subjected opposition parties to increased harassment. On 3 January 1966, Yaméogo was overthrown in a coup d'état led by army chief Sangoulé Lamizana.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Although multiparty democracy was nominally restored four years later, Lamizana dominated the country's politics until he was himself overthrown in 1980. After a series of short-term presidencies, Thomas Sankara came to power through yet another military coup d'état on 4 August 1983. After the coup, he formed the National Council for the Revolution (CNR), with himself as president. Under the direction of Sankara, the country changed its name on 4 August 1984, from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means "Land of Incorruptible People". From 1958 to 1960, the Republic of Upper Volta was led by a high commissioner: Max Berthet (11 December 1958 to February 1959) Paul Masson (February 1959 to 5 August 1960) From 1971 to 1987, the Republic of Upper Volta was led by a prime minister: Gérard Kango Ouédraogo (13 February 1971 to 8 February 1974) Thomas Sankara (4 August 1983 to 14 October 1987) The three colours of the Upper Volta's national flag are based on the three sections of the Volta: The Black Volta; The White Volta; The Red Volta.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1958: 1958 Milestone — The Republic of Upper Volta (French: République de Haute-Volta), or simply Upper Volta, was a landlocked West African country established on 11 December 1958 as a self-governing state within the French Community.
2. 1960: 1960 Milestone — On 5 August 1960, it gained full independence from France.
3. 1966: 1966 Milestone — On 3 January 1966, Yaméogo was overthrown in a coup d'état led by army chief Sangoulé Lamizana.
4. 1980: 1980 Milestone — Although multiparty democracy was nominally restored four years later, Lamizana dominated the country's politics until he was himself overthrown in 1980.
5. 1983: 1983 Milestone — After a series of short-term presidencies, Thomas Sankara came to power through yet another military coup d'état on 4 August 1983.
6. 1984: 1984 Milestone — On 4 August 1984, it changed its name to Burkina Faso.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Republic of Upper Volta

True or False: “The name 'Upper Volta' was derived from the country's central river system.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the name referenced the upper part of the Volta River, the primary derivation is geographical rather than solely based on the river itself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Republic of Upper Volta