Benin Colonial Records

French Colonization (1872-1960)
Benin, formerly known as French Dahomey, was colonized by France in 1872. On 1 August 1960, French Dahomey gained independence from France and was renamed Benin.

To learn more about the history of colonial Dahomey, read Slavery, colonialism and economic growth in Dahomey, 1640-1960.