History… Tell me! Béhanzin, the King of Dahomey who resisted France

King Béhanzin ruled the Kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa at the end of the 19th century.

During this period, France was expanding its territories across Africa. Dahomey became an important kingdom in these growing tensions.

Béhanzin refused to give up his kingdom’s independence. He organised resistance and tried to protect his people against French forces. Several battles took place between both sides.

Despite this resistance, Dahomey was eventually conquered. Béhanzin was captured and sent into exile far from his homeland.

Today, his story is remembered as one of courage and resistance, symbolising the fight to defend freedom. It also helps us understand an important part of African history.