What did France do to Africa?
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 Senegal colony or as independent entities. These conquered areas were usually governed by French Army officers, and dubbed “military territories”.
Why did France take over North Africa?
Seeking to expand their influence beyond Algeria, the French established protectorates to the east and west of it. The French protectorate of Tunisia was established in 1881, following a military invasion, and the French protectorate in Morocco in 1912.
When did France gain territory in Africa?
With the decay of the Ottoman Empire, in 1830 the French invaded and seized Algiers. This began the colonization of French North Africa, which expanded to include Tunisia in 1881 and Morocco in 1912.
Who owned more of Africa Britain or France?
France claimed by far the larger amount of territory, nearly 1.8 million square miles compared with some 450,000 square miles in the four enclaves secured by Britain. In other terms, however, France had done less well.
When did France take control of West Africa?
During this time the Voulet–Chanoine Mission, a military expedition, was sent from Senegal in 1898 to conquer the Chad Basin and unify all French territories in West Africa. Until the unification of these colonies into French West Africa, these conquered areas were usually governed by French Army officers and dubbed “Military Territories.”
What was the name of the French colony in Africa?
French West Africa was a federation of eight French colonial territories in Africa: Mauritania, Senegal, French Sudan (now Mali), French Guinea (now Guinea), Côte d’Ivoire, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Dahomey (now Benin), and Niger. As a part of the Scramble for Africa, France planned to establish a continuous west-east axis of the continent.
Why does France want to be involved in Africa?
Incumbent French President Francois Hollande maintains that France does not intervene in Africa to pursue its own interests, nor does it seek to change the rules of African politics or bring about regime change. “France supports Africa because we believe it has great potential,” Hollande said.
How does France work with its overseas territories?
All people who live in overseas France can vote in French elections and have representation in the French parliament. This is very different than the territories of the U.S. or UK, the vast majority of which are not considered integral parts of these countries. So to an extent, France doesn’t have territories in the same way as other countries.