S4E23: Radama II

Radama II's coronation by a Catholic Priest

Radama II had a short reign over Madagascar, and his legacy is heavily debated. Charitable accounts of his reign paint him as a forward-thinking and humanitarian reformer, the "Renaissance Prince of Madagascar." However, more critical accounts highlight his capitulation to foreign interests and unwillingness to adhere to Merina norms of power sharing, leading to a dysfunctional government.

Radama II and his wife, Radobo

As a man essentially raised by a European father figure, Radama II was destined to hold some degree of sympathy towards the cause of foreigners in his kingdom. He was also culturally influenced by foreign elements, having converted to Christianity and enjoying western dress. Upon his mother's passing and his inheritance of the throne, he implemented numerous policies in alignment with European interests, including the legalization of Christianity, the reopening of trade with European countries, and the plan to implement the Lambert Charter. Furthermore, he ended Ranavalona's plans for self-sufficiency and industrialization, sought to relax fanampoana labor, and aimed to reduce the country's reliance on slavery.

In addition to these policies, Radama II sought to establish himself in the image of an "Enlightened Monarch", like his historical object of admiration, Napoleon Bonaparte. As part of this model, he began to ignore Merina constitutional norms, such as the consultation of nobility and bureaucrats prior to the implementation of policy. Instead, Radama favored ignoring his ministers and noble subjects in favor of associating with his close friends the Menamaso.

Ultimately, this unwillingness to include his ministers in decision-making as well as cuts to military pay resulted in a bureaucratic coup after only a couple years of rule. Radama was executed (or perhaps exiled in secret) and his wife was put in his place as a puppet ruler to the prime minister. From now until the end of the Merina kingdom, the monarchy remained a strictly regulated and constitutional position, a puppet to the state bureaucracy.