by
AARON A.

NATIONAL FLAG OF SENEGAL:

LOCATION:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SENEGAL

            During the European colonization of Africa, France gained possession of the country of Senegal in 1840.  The 1884 agreement, in which France retained control of Senegal, drawn up by the European powers concentrated on resources without respect for tribal boundaries.  The French focused on transforming the indigenous people of the Senegal area.  They were harsh while trying to gain economic control.  They used tactics such as imprisonment and slavery (forms of servitude and forced labor) to maintain and expand their interests.           

            Colonization of Senegal brought about change.  The French influence extended into the interior of Africa in order to increase export of slaves, ivory and gum Arabic and added to Senegal’s economic growth.  Between 1854 and 1865 the governor of Senegal established the first schools for Africans.  In 1895, as a French colony, Senegal increased its output of peanuts dramatically and roads, railways, ports and universities were built.  Later, Leopold Senghor, the first President wanted to end slavery, improve living conditions and obtain French citizenship for the people.  Although there were many changes for the betterment of the indigenous people, the political boundaries that were created resulted in political unrest. 

Works Cited

Flag and map courtesy of Microsoft Clipart Gallery.

Info Please www.infoplease.com

Tanzania Odyssey www.tanzaniaodyssey.com

Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com