West African Nation of Republic of Benin Sovereignty

The Republic of Benin is the former Republic of Dahomey. Dahomey was called after the historic kingdom of Dahomey or Abomey, conquered by the French in 1892-94. The new name given to the country on 30 November 1975 came from the Bight of Benin and the former "French Bight of Benin Settlements", themselves called after the ancient kingdom of Benin in modern Nigeria. The kingdom of Dahomey was powerful, well-organised state from the 17th century, trading extensively in slaves through the port of Whydah with the Portuguese, British and French. On the coast an educated African elite grew up in the 19th century. After the defeat of Dahomey, whose monarchy was abolished, the French occupied territory inland up to the River Niger, and created the colony of Dahomey as part of French West Africa. Subsequently, there were several African revolts, a number occurring during the First World War. The African elite protested frequently at French rule and, as African nationalism blossomed after the Second World War, Dahomey saw lively political activity and the formation of several parties. This book tells the inner story of republic of Benin Ethnic groups in details, and their relationship to one another.