Ranavalona III was the last reigning monarch of Madagascar, ruling from 1883 to 1897. Her reign was marked by efforts to resist French colonization, navigate international diplomacy, and preserve the sovereignty of her kingdom amidst growing European pressures. Despite her determination, she was ultimately unable to prevent the annexation of Madagascar by France, leading to her forced exile and the end of the Merina monarchy.
Early life and ascension to the throne
Born on November 22, 1861, as Razafindrahety, Ranavalona III was a princess of noble lineage. She was the niece of Queen Ranavalona II and received an education that emphasized both traditional Malagasy customs and Western knowledge, particularly through missionary schools. Her upbringing prepared her for a life of leadership, instilling in her a strong sense of duty toward her people.
Following the death of Queen Ranavalona II in 1883, Razafindrahety was selected to ascend the throne, taking the royal name Ranavalona III. Her coronation on November 22, 1883, occurred against a backdrop of increasing French aggression, with Madagascar facing direct military threats. From the outset, her reign was shaped by the necessity of defending her kingdom from foreign domination.
Challenges and resistance to colonization
Ranavalona III inherited a kingdom already engaged in conflict with France. The Franco-Hova Wars (1883–1885) had begun under her predecessor and continued under her rule. These conflicts resulted in the Treaty of Tamatave in 1885, which recognized Madagascar as a French protectorate while allowing the Merina government to retain some internal autonomy. However, French influence over the island grew steadily, limiting the queen's ability to govern independently.
Determined to resist colonial control, Ranavalona III sought support from foreign powers, particularly Britain and the United States. She sent envoys to Europe and the United States in an attempt to secure international backing against French expansion. Despite these diplomatic efforts, European powers largely viewed Madagascar as falling within France's sphere of influence and declined to intervene directly.
Political and social reforms
During her reign, Ranavalona III attempted to modernize Madagascar while preserving its sovereignty. She encouraged education, continued the administrative reforms initiated by her predecessors, and sought to strengthen the economy. However, the increasing French presence in Madagascar undermined her authority, as French officials sought to impose direct rule over the island.
In response to French encroachments, resistance movements emerged, particularly among the Malagasy military and nationalist factions. The queen remained a symbolic leader of the resistance, although much of the actual governance was controlled by Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony. Together, they worked to maintain national unity in the face of growing external pressures.
The fall of the Merina Monarchy
By 1895, French military campaigns intensified, culminating in the capture of the capital, Antananarivo, on September 30, 1895. The superior weaponry and organization of the French forces overwhelmed Malagasy defenses. Following the city's fall, Rainilaiarivony was deposed and exiled to Algeria, marking the collapse of effective Malagasy resistance.
Initially, the French retained Ranavalona III as a figurehead, but she was stripped of real power. In 1896, Madagascar was officially annexed as a French colony. By 1897, fearing that the queen could serve as a rallying point for resistance, the French authorities decided to remove her from the island. On February 27, 1897, Ranavalona III was exiled to Reunion Island, along with members of the royal family and close advisers.
Exile and final years
Ranavalona III spent several years in Reunion before being transferred to Algiers, Algeria, in 1899. Although she lived in relative comfort, she was under constant surveillance and was forbidden from returning to Madagascar. Her exile was a painful chapter in her life, as she longed to return to her homeland and witnessed the dismantling of the monarchy and traditional institutions she had sought to protect.
Despite the challenges of exile, Ranavalona III remained dignified and maintained correspondence with Malagasy nationals and sympathizers. She expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her kingdom and continued to advocate for her people in whatever capacity she could.
Ranavalona III passed away on May 23, 1917, in Algiers at the age of 55. Her remains were later repatriated to Madagascar, where she was buried in the royal tombs of Ambohimanga, alongside her ancestors.
Legacy
Ranavalona III is remembered as a determined leader who sought to protect Madagascar from colonial rule. While she was ultimately unable to prevent French annexation, her resistance efforts and diplomatic initiatives symbolized the resilience of the Malagasy people. Her reign marked the end of the Merina monarchy, but her legacy endures as a significant chapter in Madagascar’s history. Today, she is honored for her bravery, her commitment to her people, and her unwavering dedication to Malagasy sovereignty.
Sources
· Ellis, William– Madagascar Revisited (1867)
· Campbell, Gwyn– An Economic History of Imperial Madagascar, 1750–1895 (2005)
· Brown, Mervyn– A History of Madagascar (1995)
· Freeman, James– Madagascar: The Last Years of the Kingdom (2017)
· Archives et témoignages de l'époque coloniale