The Republic of Benin: History and Population

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

Pre-colonial period

The first traces of life activity found on the lands of modern Benin date back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. In the 16th century, when Portuguese seafarers and slavers arrived on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea, there was the state of Dahomey. The locals did not show hostility towards the Europeans, and already in the 17th century, the Portuguese, French and Dutch trade settlements were established on the Atlantic coast of the kingdom. At the same time, Catholic missionaries arrived there, who opened the first elementary schools.

However, interest in the development of ties with Dahomey acquired a large-scale character only in the XVIII century, which was connected with its transformation into one of the most powerful states of West Africa of that time.

Slave trade

The kings of Dahomey enjoyed trading 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 in the royal army served the Amazons, who fought on a par with men and had exceptional physical and combat training. It was these girls who silently penetrated into the settlements of neighboring countries Allad and Widu and tried to capture as many prisoners as possible, which were the basis of the "export" of Dahomey.

Suffice it to say that only in 1750 the then King Tegbes earned a huge amount of 250 thousand pounds for the slave trade. Part of this money he spent on acquiring weapons in order to keep the neighbors and the population of the occupied lands at bay.

In the XIX century

In 1848, Dahomey refused to sell slaves to Europeans. In 1851, France committed a hostile gesture against this state, signing a treaty with the king of Porto Novo. The latter was a vassal of Dagomei King Glele and paid him tribute.

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

The last two decades of the XIX century, the coast of Dahomey became the arena of the struggle of European states, which wanted to take it under their protectorate.

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

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

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

In the first half of the 20th century

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

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

When the First World War began, the French troops who fought in the territory of German Togo used Dahomey as a military base.

In 1915 a rebellion broke out in the colony, which was suppressed. People's speeches were held in 1923 as well. 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 was granted the status of the overseas territory of France and established the General Council - the first self-governing body on the lands that today occupies the People's Republic of Benin. It consisted of 30 councilors, elected by all adults, 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 period of Dahomey's existence. During the years of colonial rule, hospitals and primary schools were built there, and a large-scale production of palm oil was created. Great successes were achieved also by Catholic missionaries.

Proclamation of independence

During the Second World War, the Dahomey colonial administration consisted of supporters of the Free France 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. The capital of the new state was proclaimed Porto-Novo, but his government was stationed in Cotonou.

Republic of Benin: years of independence

During the first 15 years of independence, several military coups were carried out in the country. In 1975, the People's Republic of Benin was proclaimed there. It was headed by Major Mathieu Kareku, who came to power in 1972, proclaiming his main task the construction of socialism.

In 1989, the long-standing dictator decided to make "perestroika" and removed the word "people's" from the country's name. In 1991, democratic elections took place 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. In the north, the country borders with the Niger and Burkina Faso, in the west - with Togo, and in the east - with Nigeria.

Industry produces only 13.5% of GDP. The country is mining mineral resources, including gold, marble and limestone. More recently, oil wells have been developed. There are textile factories, for example, LLC "Skirtex" ("Skirtex Limited"). The Republic of Benin also operates food processing plants and cement production enterprises. The manufacturing industry in the country is represented by enterprises engaged in the processing of agricultural raw materials.