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Why did Radama I form an alliance with the British governor of Mauritius?
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Radama I formed an alliance with the British governor of Mauritius, Sir Robert Farquhar, primarily to prevent the French from reoccupying the east coast of Madagascar.
In exchange for this support, which included receiving weapons, military advisers, and the title "King of Madagascar," Radama I agreed to cooperate with Britain’s campaign to abolish the slave trade. This strategic partnership enabled Radama to expand his territory significantly, eventually conquering most of the island's east coast and northern regions.12