History


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**History:**
Prior to 1637 Cote d'Ivoire is thought to have had a neolithic culture existence, although there is no known evidence to support the early history of this country. In 1637, France made contact when its missionaries landed along the coastline of the Gold coast, now Ghana. The missionaries were restricted as to much contact due to the dangerous coastlines and fear of of the inhabitants.

In the 18th century, the country was invaded from present-day Ghana by two related Akan groups--the Agni, who occupied the southeast, and the Baoule, who settled in the central section. In 1843-44, Admiral Bouet-Williaumez signed treaties with the kings of the Grand Bassam and Assinie regions, placing their territories under a French protectorate. French explorers, missionaries, trading companies, and soldiers gradually extended the area under French control inland from the lagoon region. However, complete pacification was not accomplished until 1915.

Cote d'Ivoire officially became a french colony in 1893 led by its first governor, Captain Binger.From 1904 to 1958 Cote d'Ivoire was a colony and oversees territory for the French Third Republic. Until post WWII the country was governed from Paris. The French policy in West Africa was their idea of "association" meaning that all citizens in Cote d'Ivoire were considered French subjects without citizenship or representation in neither Africa, nor France. To show their gratitude, France granted French citizenship to all African "subjects," the right to organize politically was recognized, and various forms of forced labor were abolished.

**Why the Ivory Coast?**
In the fifteenth century French and Portuguese merchants named it the Ivory Coast due to its abundance of natural resources. The country changed its name to Cote d'Ivoire in 1985. The official name is the Republique de Cote d'Ivoire due to the French control from 1843 until gaining its independence.

A Country Torn:
The country has had much history of war within the country itself and as a form of defense toward other nations. The country, like many neighboring countries, is torn between the north and the south. The constant hostility is usually centered around power or governmental affairs and economic forces. The country has gone through the French ownership, rebel violence, and now presidential election massacres.

**What is happening now? Latest news article of interest: **

Questions: 1. What year did French missionaries land on the coast? a. 1900 b.1637 c. 1670 d. 1803 answer: 1. b __**Page references:**__ [] []

Jessica Douglas © Illinois State University Date of creation: March 31, 2011 Last modified: May 1, 2011 e-mail: Jldoug2@ilstu.edu