French Sudan facts for kids

French Sudan (in French: Soudan) was a colony in French West Africa. A colony is a country or area controlled by another, more powerful country. French Sudan was controlled by France.

When French Sudan Existed

French Sudan existed at two different times. The first time was from 1890 to 1899. Then, it existed again from 1920 to 1960. In 1960, French Sudan became the independent country we know today as Mali.

How French Sudan Started

French Sudan began as a French territory on September 9, 1880. At first, it was called "Upper Senegal."

Name Changes and Divisions

The name changed to the "French Sudan Territory" on August 18, 1890. Its main city, or capital, was Kayes.

Later, on October 10, 1899, French Sudan was split up. Some of its southern areas became parts of other French colonies. These included French Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin. However, two of these areas were given back to French Sudan in 1900.

French Sudan's History

In 1902, the parts of the colony that were not military zones were renamed. They became known as Senegambia and Niger. Then, in 1904, the name changed again to Upper Senegal and Niger. Finally, in 1920, the old name of French Sudan was brought back during a new organization of the region.

In 1933, another nearby French colony called Upper Volta stopped existing. French Sudan gained some of its areas. Upper Volta later started up again in 1947.

Gaining Independence

After a big vote in France on October 4, 1958, French Sudan joined the French Community. This was a group of former French colonies that still had ties to France. French Sudan was again called "République Soudanaise" (Sudanese Republic). It gained full control over its own affairs on November 25, 1958.

On April 4, 1959, French Sudan joined with Senegal to create the Mali Federation. This federation became completely independent on June 20, 1960. It was still part of the French Community at this time.

However, this union did not last long. On August 20, 1960, Senegal left the federation. On September 22, French Sudan changed its name to the Republic of Mali. It also left the French Community to become a fully independent nation.

Images for kids

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  This picture shows Mansa Musa, a very rich ruler of the Mali Empire long ago. He is holding a gold nugget. This map from 1375 helped the French decide to explore and colonize the area.

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  Map of French colonies in West Africa in 1889

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  These are printed fabrics honoring Modibo Keïta. He was the first President of Mali and helped French Sudan become independent.

See also

In Spanish: Sudán francés para niños