How did Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony modernize Madagascar during the 1800s?

Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, who served as the head of the army and prime minister of the Merina kingdom, implemented a significant modernization program during the late 19th century. His efforts to reform the state included several key initiatives:

• Administrative Reform: He established European-style ministries and appointed governors to oversee the provinces, while utilizing former soldiers to supervise villages.12
• Legal and Social Changes: He introduced a new code of laws that integrated traditional Malagasy customs with Western practices, such as the adoption of monogamy.12
• Religious and Educational Policy: In 1869, he mandated the adoption of Protestantism and suppressed traditional Malagasy religious practices. Additionally, he made education obligatory, placing it under the administration of Christian missions.12

These reforms were part of an effort to strengthen the kingdom against increasing foreign influence, though the country eventually fell under French control following the occupation of Antananarivo in 1895, leading to the prime minister's exile.12