【史海回眸】国王头骨归乡，揭开马达加斯加黑暗殖民史

Core Viewpoint - The French government has returned three human skulls, including that of King Toera of the Sakalava Kingdom, to Madagascar, highlighting the brutal colonial history of France in the region [1][4]. Historical Context - France invaded Madagascar in 1883, forcing the Imerina Kingdom to sign an unequal treaty, and subsequently re-invaded in 1894, leading to Madagascar becoming a French colony in 1896 [4]. - King Toera expressed a desire for peace talks with French forces in 1897, but was killed in a surprise attack, with his head being severed and taken to France as a trophy [4][5]. Colonial Impact - Following Toera's death, Madagascar was transformed into a raw material supplier for France, with forced cultivation of cash crops leading to food shortages [5]. - The French colonial authorities implemented forced labor systems, resulting in high mortality rates among local workers, and imposed heavy taxes that exacerbated poverty [5]. - Cultural assimilation policies marginalized local languages and education, aiming to create a workforce for the French economy [5]. Resistance and Independence - Despite colonial oppression, resistance movements emerged, culminating in a significant uprising in 1947, which, although suppressed, marked the rise of nationalism [5]. - Madagascar gained autonomy in 1958 and achieved full independence on June 26, 1960, commemorating the sacrifices of its ancestors, including King Toera [6]. Recent Developments - In 2023, France passed a law allowing the return of human remains taken during the colonial period, with Toera's skull set to be returned by 2025 [6].