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Book chapter Book chapter Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The role of the merina state in the decline of the imperial merina economy, 1875-1895
Author:Campbell, G.ISNI
Book title:The State and the Market: studies in the economic and social history of the Third World
Year:1987
Pages:2-23
Language:English
Geographic term:Madagascar
Subjects:economic history
Merina polity
Abstract:This study challenges the traditionally favourable view of the imperial Merina regime of Madagascar, arguing instead that it was at least as rapacious and exploitative of the island's human and natural resources as the French colonial government which supplanted it. The Merina regime exacerbated the already deep divisions between the different Malagasy tribes and effectively crippled the imperial economy through a combination of gross mismanagement and the systematic exploitation of its imperial subjects. Forced labour ('fanompoana') and taxation together provided a strong disincentive to craft production, drove large numbers of peasants from the land, and restricted the growth of the market. This situation was aggravated by an unreformed currency, poor transport and communications, and a court monopoly of foreign trade. In response to the oppressive economic policies of the imperial regime, a widespread movement of revolt arose in the island by the 1880s. The resulting political disunity and economic dislocation undermined resistance to the French onslaught of 1895. Gloss., ref.