Ranavalona I re (circa 1788 – 1861) reigned for thirty-three years over the kingdom of Madagascar from 1828 to 1861. His reign was marked by a struggle against the expansionism of Europe and a certain authoritarianism.
Queen of Madagascar
Rabodonandrianampoinimerina ("the ingenuous granddaughter of Andrianampoinimerina") was born between 1788 and 1790, the daughter of a cousin of King Andrianampoinimerina. Adopted by the king's sister, Ralesoka, the child was raised within the Malagasy aristocracy. Growing up, she becomes the main wife of Andrianampoinimerina's son and successor, Radama, who becomes Radama I
st
by acceding to the throne in 1821. When the latter died, childless, in 1828, the aristocracy decided to place his widow on the throne to avoid a succession crisis or a civil war.
Having become fully Queen of Madagascar, Ranavalona I re continues the territorial expansion undertaken by his predecessors, launches expeditions to pacify the conquered territories and strives to modernize the kingdom, especially in terms of armament. The following year, the French launched several attacks against Madagascar and this aggression stirred up Ranavalona's distrust of Europe, whose influence she endeavored to combat. Christian missionaries, and their converts, are martyred. She tries to invalidate the agreement concluded with the British in 1820, authorizing the presence of Christian missionaries; Faced with their refusal, Ranavalona had them expelled the following year. She hunts down Christianity, views converts as traitors to the homeland, and forbids her subjects from taking part in worship.
A great sovereign
Ranavalona I re also fights against the territorial expansionism of Europe, subjugating coastal regions to prevent the French from doing so. In 1845, it repelled British and French attacks; in response, it halted trade with Europe for eight years and imposed compensation on European traders for the damage caused by the attacks. Apart from these eight years, however, it maintains commercial ties with Europe, so as not to affect the resources of the kingdom.
The reign of Ranavalona I re is positive in terms of development, modernization and independence of the island. Within the kingdom, she is considered a great queen and a symbol of national pride.
Ranavalona I re died on August 16, 1861, after thirty-three years of reign.