Madagascar

During the late 1600's through the early 1700's, pirates ruled the eastern part of the island. French and English forces decided to attack Tamative (a major settlement on Madagascar). The French and English forces extremely underestimated the power of Tamative. The Tamative destroyed the intruders with minimal damage done to themselves. Franco-Malagasy War(France vs. Malagasy[tribe on Madagascar])--- Broke out on December 17, 1883 and lasted until a peace treaty was signed in 1885. This treaty gave France a greater influence in the affairs of Madagascar. French forces had been trying to establish a military base since the mid-1800's. They continued failing to conquer anything on Madagascar until the early 1900's. They finally settled on a small island off of Madagascar called Ste. Marie. Treaties were finally signed with England in 1865 and France in 1868.
 * __What are some things about Madagascar related to war?__**

Randama, a Merina King, opened the country to English missionaries, who spread Christianity throughout the island. Randama was succeeded by his widow, Ranavalona. Ranavalona terrorized the country for 33 years by persuing anybody that was associated with Christianity, evicting foreigners, and reviving the custom of killing babies that were born on unlucky days. Randama's son, Randama II, restored hope throughout the island by contacting people of the outside world, stopped the persecution of Christians, and stopped the killing of babies. Randama II was assassinated in 1863.
 * __How are Randama and Ranavalona related to Madagascar?__**

Diogo Diaz was blown off course on the way to India and landed on an unmarked island, now known as Madagascar. He officially became the first European to land on Madagascar, so he had the privledge to call this island whatever he wanted (St. Lawrence). The first group to actually settle on this island were of Indonesian/African descent. The first kingdom to be established was done so by the Sakalava tribe. Portugese, French, Dutch, and English failed to trade with Madagascar due to a fierce Madagascar tribe known as Malagasy. This tribe massacred any foreigners to the island at the time.
 * __What are some accomplishments of Madagascar?__**

Madagascar finally gained independence in 1960.

44% of Madagascar's animals are part of the world's endangered (or worse) list. C.E.S.(Critically Endangered Species)- Example: Golden Bamboo Lemur- only about 1000 of them left on the planet.
 * __What are some things about the animals in Madagascar?__**

160 million years ago, Madagascar separated from the African mainland and became its own island. Madagascar contains 45% of the world's grass + shrub landscaping. There are about 20 million people total on the island of Madagascar. There are over 90 different species of JUST LEMURS. **__ Work Cited__** Rhett Butler."A Historical Timeline for Madagascar".__Timeline__. [|www.wildmadagascar.org].
 * __What are some other things about Madagascar?__**

Mireya Mayor. "Madagascar". __Madagascar's Lemurs__. [|www.proquest.org]

Blake Dinerstein. "Facts on Madagascar". __Madagascar__. [|www.infoplease.com]