Second Franco-Dahomean War

Quick Facts: Who was Second Franco-Dahomean War?

Subject:

Second Franco-Dahomean War

Known for:

The 1892–1894 conflict that led to French annexation of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

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Origins & Early Life

The Second Franco-Dahomean War, which raged from 1892 to 1894, was a major conflict between France, led by General Alfred-Amédée Dodds, and Dahomey under King Béhanzin. The French emerged triumphant and incorporated Dahomey into their growing colonial territory of French West Africa. In 1890, the Kingdom of Dahomey and France had gone to war in what is referred to as the First Franco-Dahomean War over the former's rights to certain territories, specifically those in the Ouémé Valley. The Fon ceased hostilities with the French after two military defeats, withdrawing their forces and signing a treaty conceding to all French demands. However, Dahomey remained a potent force in the area and quickly re-armed with modern weapons in anticipation of a second, decisive conflict.

Career & Major Achievements

After re-arming and regrouping, the Fon returned to raiding the Ouémé Valley, the same valley fought over in the first war with France. Victor Ballot, the French Resident at Porto-Novo, was sent via gunboat upriver to investigate. His ship was attacked and forced to depart with five men wounded in the incident. King Béhanzin rejected complaints by the French, and war was declared immediately by the French. The French entrusted the war effort against Dahomey to Alfred-Amédée Dodds, an octoroon colonel of the Troupes de marine from Senegal.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Colonel Dodds arrived with a force of 2,164 men, including Foreign Legionnaires, marines, engineers, artillery and Senegalese cavalry known as spahis plus the trusted tirailleurs. These forces were armed with the new Lebel rifles, which would prove decisive in the coming battle. The French protectorate kingdom of Porto-Novo also added some 2,600 porters to aid in the fight. The Fon, prior to the outbreak of the second war, had stockpiled between 4,000 and 6,000 rifles, including Mannlicher and Winchester carbines. These were purchased from German merchants via the port of Whydah.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1890: 1890 Milestone — In 1890, the Kingdom of Dahomey and France had gone to war in what is referred to as the First Franco-Dahomean War over the former's rights to certain territories, specifically those in the Ouémé Valley.
2. 1892: 1892 Milestone — The Second Franco-Dahomean War, which raged from 1892 to 1894, was a major conflict between France, led by General Alfred-Amédée Dodds, and Dahomey under King Béhanzin.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Second Franco-Dahomean War

True or False: “The primary reason for the Second Franco-Dahomean War was the dispute over control of the Ouémé Valley, which had been settled in 1890.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the valley was central to both wars, the immediate casus belli for the second war was King Béhanzin's rejection of French complaints after an attack on a French gunboat.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Second Franco-Dahomean War