History French Dahomey

kingdom of dahomey

during 13th century, indigenous edo people of west niger area run group of local chieftains, 15th century single ruler known oba had asserted control, creating kingdom of dahomey. under dynasty established ewuare great, famous of obas, dahoney s territory expanded cover region between niger river delta , nigerian city of lagos. obas brought great prosperity , highly organized state benin. established relations , extensive slave trade portuguese , dutch arrived 15th century onwards.

the decline of obas began in 18th century when series of internal power struggles began lasted 19th century.

colony

the french takeover , colonization of kingdom of dahomey began in 1872. first franco-dahomean war in 1890 further weakened it. second franco-dahomean war resulted in becoming french protectorate in 1894.

in 1904, dahomey territory incorporated french west africa (french) dahomey.

under french port constructed @ cotonou, , railroads built. school facilities expanded roman catholic missions. in 1946, dahomey became overseas territory own parliament , representation in french national assembly.

on 4 december 1958, became republic of dahomey (république du dahomey), self-governing within french union.

independence

on 1 august 1960, republic of dahomey gained full independence france.

the republic s first president hubert maga, had been prime minister during overseas territory s last year under french rule.