A turbulent political history of Madagascar

IRIN

Madagascar’s history is marked by a struggle for political control. By 1700, France and England had attempted to establish settlements, while the rulers of the island’s many kingdoms fought among themselves for dominance.

During the 1700s the Merina ethnic group gained control of the central plateau and established a monarchy; with British help they eventually ruled most of the island. Their reign came to an end when French marines landed on the island in the 1880s and France instituted colonial rule.