Togo Sansanné-Mango History: A Rich and Varied Past
Togo, a small country located in West Africa, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. The name “Togo” is derived from the Ewe language and means “to go” or “to move”. This name is fitting, as the country has seen many changes throughout its history.
The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Mango people, who are believed to have settled in the region as early as the 16th century. They were a peaceful people, living off the land and trading with neighboring tribes. By the 17th century, the Mango had become a powerful force in the region and their influence extended as far as modern-day Ghana.
The Mango people were eventually conquered by the powerful Dahomey Empire in the late 18th century. Under Dahomey rule, the Mango people were forced to pay tribute to the empire and were subject to harsh punishments if they failed to do so. The Mango people eventually revolted against their oppressors, leading to a war between the Mango and Dahomey that lasted from 1790 to 1814.
In 1884, the region became part of the German protectorate of Togoland. During this period, the area saw a period of growth and development, with the Germans introducing modern infrastructure, such as roads and railways. The Germans also encouraged the growth of cocoa production, which became an important part of the economy.
After the First World War, Togoland was divided between the British and French, with the French taking control of the larger portion of the territory. The French renamed the area Togo and it remained a French colony until it gained independence in 1960.
Since independence, Togo has experienced periods of both political stability and turmoil. In the late 1980s, the country was rocked by a series of coups and counter-coups. The political situation eventually stabilized in the early 1990s and the country has since enjoyed relative peace and stability.
Togo’s history is a rich and varied one, filled with both triumph and tragedy. From its earliest inhabitants, the Mango people, to its current state as an independent nation, Togo has seen many changes throughout its long history. The country’s past has shaped its present and will continue to do so in the future.