Madagascar

=**__MADAGASCAR__**=

The French first settled in St. Mary on the coast of Madagascar in December of 1894. The French then continued inward signing agreements with tribe leaders until, in 1896, Madagascar became a French colony. The French spread ideas and language across the nation. French control over Madagascar has definitely changed the nation and European beliefs are still followed.

__**Introducing Beliefs and Language:**__

 * Christianity and Islam were brought to Madagascar. Today, 41% of the population follows Christianity and 7% follow Islam. Although more than half of the nation still follows traditional beliefs, new religion has been a big change in Madagascar
 * Madagascar's three official languages include Malagasy, French, and some English.

__**Positive impacts on Madagascar:**__[[image:images.jpeg width="214" height="291" align="right" caption="French Poster showing dominance over Madagascar"]]

 * New railroads built and roads being improved
 * New crops for cultivation like tobacco and coffee
 * End to institution of slavery
 * Economic prosperity

__**Negative impacts on Madagascar:**__

 * Economic and social differences between free people and former slaves
 * French established cash crop plantations along the coast
 * French took over resources and used them to support their nation
 * Took over government by kicking out kings and setting up a new government
 * French broke tribe borders which causes conflict and disunity among the Malagasy

=__**Madagascar Today:**__=

Madagascar declared independence from the French in 1960. The French people greatly impacted Madagascar. They brought over new beliefs, better education, and new foods. New roads and a steady government have also allowed the Republic of Madagascar to become more advanced after gaining independence. In time they might be able to catch up to other industrialized countries because of the French influence.