Timeline of Madagascar

Chronology

23 events spanning the history of Madagascar. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1200

   The central highlands of the island are settled

   The central highlands of the island are settled.

2. 1500

   Diogo Dias becomes first European to land on Madagascar

   Portuguese sea captain Diogo Dias becomes first European to land on Madagascar after he is blown off course on the way to India. He named the island St. Lawrence.

3. 1600

   Pirates ruled the eastern coast of the island

   Pirates ruled the eastern coast of the island from the 1600s through the early 1700s.

4. 1828 – 1861

   Queen Ranavalona I ruled over Madagascar

   Queen Ranavalona I ruled over Madagascar.

5. 1835

   Queen Ranavalona I persecuted and expelled foreigners

   Madagascar’s Queen Ranavalona I persecuted and expelled foreigners, including the island’s missionaries and extended her rule all over the island with her 20,000-man army.

6. 1861 – 1863

   Radama II ruled from 1861 until his assassination

   Radama II (1829-1863), the son of Queen Ranavalona I, succeeded her to rule Madagascar. He ruled from 1861 until his assassination in 1863.

7. 1883 – 1885

   Franco-Malagasy War results in December 17, 1885 peace agreement

   Franco-Malagasy War results in December 17, 1885 peace agreement that gives France a greater influence in the affairs of Madagascar.

8. 1890

   The British recognize a French protectorate over Madagascar

   The British recognize a French protectorate over Madagascar in exchange for concessions in Zanzibar.

9. 1894

   France invades Madagascar

   France invades Madagascar and takes the captial Tana on October 1, 1895. France loses only 20 men in battle during the campaign but more than 6,000 to disease.

10. 1896

    France annexes Madagascar as a colony

    France annexes Madagascar as a colony and later unifies the country under a single government.