# Ranavalona III

> last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar (1861-1917)

**Wikidata**: [Q233326](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q233326)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranavalona_III)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ranavalona-iii

## Summary
Ranavalona III was the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar, ruling from 1861 until 1917. She was a statesperson and monarch who governed the Merina Kingdom, a former country in the region. Her reign marked the end of Madagascar's independent monarchy before its colonization by France.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Malagasy
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Governing Madagascar as its last monarch
- Employer(s): Merina Kingdom
- Field(s): Politics, monarchy

## Contributions
Ranavalona III ruled the Merina Kingdom from 1861 until her deposition in 1917, overseeing the final years of Madagascar's independent monarchy before French colonization. She received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France in recognition of her role in the transition of power.

## FAQs
**What was Ranavalona III's role in Madagascar's history?**
Ranavalona III was the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar, ruling from 1861 until her deposition in 1917. Her reign marked the end of Madagascar's independent monarchy before French colonization.

**What awards did Ranavalona III receive?**
She received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France in recognition of her role in the transition of power in Madagascar.

**What was the Merina Kingdom?**
The Merina Kingdom was a former country that ruled Madagascar before its colonization. It was established around 1540 and was the dominant power in the region during Ranavalona III's reign.

## Why They Matter
Ranavalona III's reign was pivotal in Madagascar's transition from an independent monarchy to French colonial rule. Her leadership during the late 19th and early 20th centuries shaped the political landscape of the island, influencing its colonial history and the eventual establishment of French control.

## Notable For
- Last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar (1861–1917)
- Received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France
- Governed the Merina Kingdom, a former country in Madagascar

## Body
### Early Life and Reign
Ranavalona III ascended to the throne in 1861, succeeding her father, Radama II. Her reign was marked by efforts to modernize the kingdom and resist foreign influence, particularly from France. She implemented reforms aimed at strengthening the Merina Kingdom's central authority and maintaining its sovereignty.

### Political Leadership
During her rule, Ranavalona III faced increasing pressure from European powers, particularly France, which sought to expand its colonial empire. Despite her efforts to maintain independence, Madagascar was eventually colonized by France in 1896. Ranavalona III continued to govern until her deposition in 1917, overseeing the final years of the kingdom's existence.

### Recognition and Legacy
Ranavalona III received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France in recognition of her role in the transition of power. Her reign is remembered as a significant period in Madagascar's history, marking the end of its independent monarchy and the beginning of French colonial rule. The Merina Kingdom, which she governed, was a former country that played a central role in the island's political and cultural development.

### Influence on Madagascar's History
Ranavalona III's leadership had a lasting impact on Madagascar's colonial history. Her efforts to resist foreign domination and maintain the kingdom's sovereignty set the stage for the eventual colonization of the island by France. Her reign is studied as a key chapter in the broader history of Madagascar's transition from an independent monarchy to a colonial territory.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Find a Grave
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013