French West Africa, French Afrique Occidentale Française (AOF), administrative grouping under French rule from 1895 until 1958 of the former French territories of West Africa: Senegal, French Guinea, the Ivory Coast, and the French Sudan, to which Dahomey was added in 1899.
When did the French take over West Africa?
French West Africa
| French West Africa Afrique-Occidentale française | |
|---|---|
| 1895–1958 | |
| Flag | |
| French West Africa after World War II Green: French West Africa Dark grey: Other French possessions Black: French Republic | |
| Status | Federation of French colonies |
Why did France take over French West Africa?
The French goal of increasing their stake in West Africa was influenced by similar policies undertaken by their fellow Europeans in Africa culminating in the late nineteenth century with a European “scramble for Africa.” Industrialization and economic conditions in Europe influenced the expansion of European interests …
How long did France occupy Africa?
The federation existed from 1895 until 1960. As the French pursued their part in the Scramble for Africa in the 1880s and 1890s, they conquered large inland areas, and at first ruled them as either a part of the existing Senegal colony or as independent entities.
How much of Africa did France control?
Gradually, French control crystallised over much of North, West, and Central Africa by around the start of the 20th century (including the modern states of Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Benin, Niger, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, the east African coastal …
Why did France start colonizing?
Background. The French first came to the New World as travelers seeking a route to the Pacific Ocean and wealth. Major French exploration of North America began under the rule of Francis I, King of France.
What did France want in West Africa?
French West Africa
Before Africa was founded as a country, it was invaded by France in 1843. France wanted many of that natural resources in Africa that they attacked and tried to contain them.
What colonies did France have in 1914?
By 1914, France had amassed an empire incorporating over 10,000,000 km2 (4,000,000 mi2) and 60 million people. In Southeast Asia the French pieced together the colony of Indochina by 1893, adding Laos, Cambodia (now Kampuchea), Annam, and Tonkin to Cochin China. Tunisia and Morocco became protectorates.
Who claimed the 13 colonies?
Over the next century, the English established 13 colonies. They were Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. By 1750 nearly 2 million Europeans lived in the American colonies.
How many colonies did France have in 1914?
France had two colonial empires. The first one during the XVIth-XVIIIth Centuries was built by large Royal Trading Companies (such as Compagnie des Indes Occidentales).
What year did the last French colony gain its independence?
France, which had colonized the country, had named it French Somaliland. On 27 June 1977, Djibouti gained independence from France.
Did France Colonise Nigeria?
The French Colony of Niger (French: Colonie du Niger) was a French colonial possession covering much of the territory of the modern West African state of Niger, as well as portions of Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad. It existed in various forms from 1900 to 1960 but was titled the Colonie du Niger only from 1922 to 1960.
Does France still influence Africa?
As of 2021, France retains the largest military presence in Africa of any former colonial power. The French presence has been complicated by other expanding spheres of influence in Africa such as those of Russia and China.
Does France still control West Africa?
The French colonial encounter in West Africa was driven by commercial interests and, perhaps to a lesser degree, a civilizing mission. … As of 2021, France still retains the largest military presence in Africa of any former colonial power.
Does Africa pay taxes to France?
Did you know many African countries continue to pay colonial tax to France since their independence till today! … However, the amount estimated by France was so big that the reimbursement of the so called “colonial debt” was close to 40% of the country budget in 1963.
Is Africa still colonized?
There are two African countries never colonized: Liberia and Ethiopia. Yes, these African countries never colonized. But we live in 2020; this colonialism is still going on in some African countries. … Today, Somalia, one of the African countries colonized by France, is divided among Britain, France, and Italy.