Timeline of Mauritania

Chronology

13 events spanning the history of Mauritania. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1500

   European mariners and traders establish settlements.

   European mariners and traders establish settlements.

2. 1644 – 1674

   Mauritanian Thirty-Year War: Berbers unsuccessful in repelling Arab warriors.

   Mauritanian Thirty-Year War: Berbers unsuccessful in repelling Arab warriors.

3. 1850 – 1860

   French forces gain control of southern Mauritania.

   French forces gain control of southern Mauritania. In 1898 France wins the allegiance of Moors in the region.

4. 1904

   France establishes Mauritania as a colonial territory.

   France establishes Mauritania as a colonial territory.

5. 1920

   Mauritania becomes part of French West Africa, and is administered from Senegal.

   Mauritania becomes part of French West Africa, and is administered from Senegal.

6. 1946

   Becomes a French overseas territory.

   Becomes a French overseas territory.

7. 1957

   Nouakchott established as the capital.

   Nouakchott established as the capital.

8. 1960

   Mauritania becomes independent.

   Mauritania becomes independent.

9. 1976

   Mauritania and Morocco divide up Spanish Sahara, now known as Western Sahara.

   Mauritania and Morocco divide up Spanish Sahara, now known as Western Sahara, after Spain pulls out. Guerrillas of the Polisario front, aiming to establish an independent state in the territory, fight the forces of both countries.

10. 1989 – 1990

    Clashes in Mauritania between Africans and Arabs.

    Clashes in Mauritania between Africans and Arabs led to tens of thousands of blacks fleeing or being deported.