On December 3, 1966, archivist-paleographer Jean Valette delivered a lecture on diplomatic relations between Madagascar and the United States, marking the 100th anniversary of these ties. He noted that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact start of these relations, as early interactions were primarily commercial and often lacked transparency, leaving few traces in official archives.
Valette referenced a 1962 article by Rev. Hardyman, which highlighted the role of the slave trade in early American-Malagasy relations. Additionally, he discussed the influence of piracy in the Indian Ocean during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, noting that some American firms profited from goods seized by pirates. Conversely, he highlighted that during the Napoleonic Wars, American ships maintained trade with the islands of France and Bourbon, providing essential goods despite the British blockade.
By the 18th century, trade was centered in New England, particularly Salem. Following the American War of Independence, there was a concerted effort by American business interests to establish a political foothold in Madagascar. This led to the involvement of Count Maurice de Benyowski, a Polish-Hungarian aristocrat who had previously attempted to establish a French settlement on the island in 1774.
After his initial failure and lack of support from the Versailles Court, Benyowski sought backing from the young United States. In 1784, he traveled to Baltimore, hoping to secure American commercial interest. A Baltimore trading firm provided him with an armed vessel, the “Intrépide,” which set sail for Madagascar in October 1784. However, this second attempt also ended in failure due to various complications.
Valette concluded that it was not until the 19th century, specifically starting in 1824, that documentation became more reliable, allowing historians to better understand the complex and often tense evolution of American-Malagasy relations amidst European colonial interests.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-24 05:38:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/le-double-echec-de-benyowski-madagascar.html