How did Andrianampoinimerina reunite Imerina around 1797?

During the 18th century, the Merina kingdom of Imerina was fractured among four warring kings. Andrianampoinimerina, who reigned from 1787 to 1810, successfully reunited the kingdom around 1797.12

To consolidate his power and expand his influence, he implemented several key strategies:

• Administrative Reform: He established uniform laws and a centralized administration across the kingdom.12
• Military Expansion: He engaged in the slave trade with the French on the coast. In exchange for slaves, he acquired guns, which he utilized to conquer neighboring peoples, such as the Betsileo.12
• Social Structure: He organized Merina society into a distinct hierarchy consisting of a ruling noble class (Andriana), a class of commoners (Hova), and a slave class (Andevo).12

By the time of his death, Andrianampoinimerina had laid the foundation for a powerful state, famously declaring that the sea would eventually become the boundary of his kingdom.12