Republic of Benin: history and population

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The kingdom with the fabulous name of Dahomey became known to Europeans only in the late Middle Ages. Today, the Republic of Benin is located on its territory. Where is it and what historical events took place there over the past 6 centuries, our article will tell.

Pre-colonial period

The first traces of life found on the lands of modern Benin belong to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. In the 16th century, when Portuguese navigators and slave traders arrived on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea, the state of Dahomey existed there. The locals showed no hostility to the Europeans, and already in the 17th century Portuguese, French and Dutch trading settlements were founded on the Atlantic coast of the kingdom. At the same time, Catholic missionaries arrived there and opened the first elementary schools.

However, interest in developing ties with Dahomey became widespread only in the 18th century, which was associated with its transformation into one of the most powerful states in West Africa at that time.

Slave trade

Kings of Dahomey were happy to trade with Europeans. The latter were primarily interested in black slaves to work on the plantations of their American colonies. In addition, they were shocked to learn that Amazons served in the royal army, who fought on an equal footing with men and were distinguished by exceptional physical and combat training. It was these girls who silently penetrated the settlements of the neighboring countries of Allada and Ouidu and tried to capture as many prisoners as possible, who were the basis of Dahomey's "export".

Suffice it to say that only in 1750 the then king Tegbesu earned a huge sum of 250 thousand pounds from the slave trade. He spent part of this money on the purchase of weapons in order to keep neighbors and the population of the occupied lands in fear.

In the 19th century

In 1848, Dahomey refused to sell slaves to Europeans. In 1851, France made a hostile gesture towards this state by signing an agreement with the king of Porto-Novo. The latter was a vassal of the Dahomey king Glele and paid tribute to him.

In 1862, Porto-Novo was declared a French protectorate, and a little later was occupied. In addition, a duty was imposed on the slave trade in 1885, which was supposed to prevent the transportation of slaves to the West Indies.

For the last 2 decades of the 19th century, the coast of Dahomey became an arena for the struggle of European states that wanted to take it under their protectorate.

In 1889 the French wereCotona was captured, and they forced the Dahomey king to sign a treaty. According to this document, Porto-Novo and Cotonou were recognized as possessions of France. In turn, this state had to pay Dahomey 20 thousand francs. The colony was named French Benin.

In 1892, the King of Dahomey signed several treaties. As a result, this country was proclaimed a French protectorate. In 1894, the Dahomean king was exiled to Martinique, and the country lost even the semblance of sovereignty.

By the end of the 19th century, the coastal zone of Benin, Dahomey and the surrounding territories, captured by the French, formed a colony with its capital in Porto-Novo.

In the first half of the 20th century

In 1904, 55 years before the Republic of Benin was founded, the colony of Dahomey became part of French West Africa, and the construction of the modern port of Cotonou began. And after 2 years, a 45 km long railway was built, which connected the new harbor with Ouidu.

The modern borders that the Republic of Benin has today, the colony acquired in 1909.

When World War I began, French troops fighting in German Togo used Dahomey as a military base.

In 1915, an uprising broke out in the colony, which was suppressed. Popular performances also took place in 1923. And in 1934, the territory of French Togo was annexed to Dahomey, and in 1937 the country became a separate administrative unit.

After 9 years she wasgranted the status of an overseas territory of France and created the General Council - the first body of self-government in the lands that today are occupied by the People's Republic of Benin. It consisted of 30 councilors, who were elected by all adult residents, regardless of gender. However, in order to have the right to vote, both men and women had to be able to read, write and speak French.

Achievements of the colonial period

In the first decades of its independence, the Republic of Benin developed on the basis of what was created during the existence of Dahomey. During the years of colonial rule, hospitals and elementary schools were built there, and large-scale palm oil production was also established. Catholic missionaries have also made great strides.

Declaration of Independence

During the Second World War, the colonial administration of Dahomey consisted of supporters of the Free French movement. After its completion, Charles de Gaulle personally contributed to the weakening of the governor's power. In 1952, instead of the General Council, the Territorial Assembly was founded, and in 1958 Dahomey was turned into a republic that is part of the French Community.

Full independence from France was proclaimed on August 1, 1960. Porto-Novo was proclaimed the capital of the new state, but its government was located in Cotonou.

Republic of Benin: years of independence

During the first 15 years of independence, several military coups took place in the country. In 1975, there was proclaimedPeople's Republic of Benin. It was headed by Major Mathieu Kareku, who came to power in 1972, and proclaimed the construction of socialism to be his main task.

In 1989, the long-term dictator decided to make a "perestroika" and removed the word "people's" from the name of the country. In 1991, democratic elections were held in Benin. As a result, the one-party system was destroyed.

Where is the Republic of Benin and features of its economy

The state is located in West Africa and has access to the sea through the Gulf of Guinea. The country borders Niger and Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the west, and Nigeria to the east.

Industry provides only 13.5% of GDP. The country is engaged in mining operations, including gold, marble and limestone. Relatively recently, oil wells began to be developed. There are textile factories, for example LLC "Skirteks" ("Skirteks Limited"). The Republic of Benin also operates food processing plants and cement factories. The manufacturing industry in the country is represented by enterprises engaged in the processing of agricultural raw materials.