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French Colonialism in Mali took place during the period between 1890 and 1960, when Mali was dictated by France. The political scenario of Mali during the late 19th century was in a state of anarchy and upheaval. There was no stability of government. The people of Mali were turned into refugees, fleeing the country to escape the slave trade and communal violence. The French intervened in such a situation and took over Timbuktu and Gao, two major cities of Mali. During French colonialism of Mali, the French used Mali as a market to sell their manufactured goods.
The French were instrumental in building roads in Mali and constructing railway lines. The main aim of the colonial officers was to attract many French businessmen to invest in the farms of Mali. As a result many Malian farmers were forced to sell their land to the colonial government.
The French colonial administrators of Mali worked towards the development of cotton industries. They built roads for transportation of goods to the sea. But in the process a lot of problems arose. The French officials pressurized the workers for more production. The farmers being tied to the colonial government were at a loss and as a result could hardly earn their living. They tried to oppose the government but were bound by the system of taxation set up by the colonial government.
As a result of the French colonialism in Mali, cotton production flourished. But it also had an adverse effect on the country driving the country towards poverty and famine.
In the year 1959, Mali Federation was formed in collaboration with the Sudanese Republic and Senegal. The Republic of Mali was renamed by the Sudanese and finally attained independence in 1960.
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