Radama II, born in 1829, was the son of Queen Ranavalona I and ruled Madagascar from 1861 to 1863. His brief reign marked a dramatic shift from the isolationist policies of his mother, as he sought to re-engage with European powers and modernize the island nation. However, his reformist agenda faced significant resistance from conservative factions within the Merina Kingdom, ultimately leading to his assassination.
Radama II was born Rakoto, the only son of Ranavalona I. During his mother’s reign, he often acted as an intermediary between the court and foreign powers, gaining a reputation as a progressive and reform-minded prince. Unlike Ranavalona, Radama openly expressed admiration for European customs and technologies, which endeared him to foreign envoys and Malagasy elites who sought change.
When Ranavalona I died in 1861, Radama ascended to the throne without significant opposition. His coronation was celebrated by both Malagasy citizens and European observers, who saw in him a promise of reform and openness.
Reversal of isolationist policies
One of Radama’s first acts as king was to reverse his mother’s isolationist policies. He re-opened the kingdom to foreign trade, invited Christian missionaries to return, and abolished practices like the tangena poison ordeal. He also restored religious freedom, allowing Malagasy converts to Christianity to worship openly without fear of persecution.
Radama’s reforms were encapsulated in the Lambert Charter of 1855, a controversial agreement he had signed as crown prince with the French adventurer Joseph-François Lambert. The charter granted extensive commercial and political concessions to Lambert and his associates, sparking outrage among conservative nobles who viewed it as a threat to Madagascar’s sovereignty. Despite this backlash, Radama implemented many aspects of the charter, encouraging foreign investment and technological exchange.
Modernization
Radama II’s vision for Madagascar included modernization in infrastructure, education, and governance. He supported the construction of roads, bridges, and modern buildings, aiming to improve connectivity within the kingdom. European artisans and engineers were invited to assist in these projects, bringing modern techniques to the island.
In education, Radama sought to expand access to schooling and integrate European curricula alongside traditional Malagasy teachings. He hoped to create a generation of Malagasy citizens who could navigate both local and global contexts.
Challenges to his reign
Radama’s liberal policies faced strong opposition from traditionalist factions within the Merina court, particularly the andriana (nobles) and the Hova (free commoners). These groups had prospered under Ranavalona’s isolationist regime and saw Radama’s openness as a betrayal of national interests.
The Lambert Charter, in particular, became a symbol of discontent. Many nobles believed it gave foreign powers undue influence over Madagascar’s economy and governance. Radama’s close association with European advisors further alienated his conservative supporters, who feared the erosion of Malagasy traditions and autonomy.
Assassination and legacy
In May 1863, after just two years on the throne, Radama II was overthrown in a coup led by military officers and conservative nobles. He was reportedly strangled to death, though some accounts suggest he survived and lived in exile under a different identity. His wife, Queen Rasoherina, was installed as a puppet ruler, and many of Radama’s reforms were reversed.
Despite his short reign, Radama II left a lasting impact on Madagascar. He is remembered as a reformer who sought to modernize his country and build bridges with the outside world. While his policies were controversial, they laid the groundwork for subsequent efforts to integrate Madagascar into the global community.
Sources:
- Campbell, G. (2005). An Economic History of Imperial Madagascar, 1750–1895: The Rise and Fall of an Island Empire. Cambridge University Press.
- Freeman, D. (2013). Madagascar: The Eighth Continent. Yale University Press.
- Mack, J. (1986). Madagascar: Island of the Ancestors. British Museum Publications.