How did French Foreign Legion troops participate in the conquest of Madagascar?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

French Foreign Legion soldiers in uniform with white hats and rifles stand in formation during a Bastille Day parade on the Champs Elysees in Paris. — French Foreign Legion Soldiers of the French Foreign Legion in a parade celebrating Bastille Day in Paris.

The French Foreign Legion played a supporting role in the colonial expansion of France by assisting in the conquest and pacification of Madagascar between 1895 and 1905. During this period of imperial expansion, the Legion served as part of the European core of the French military forces tasked with establishing control over the island.1

While the broader historical record notes that Gen. Joseph-Simon Gallieni was the primary figure responsible for suppressing insurrections, subduing the local oligarchy, and achieving the unification of Madagascar during his tenure as military commander and governor-general, the Legion's specific contribution was its participation in these military campaigns to secure French rule.213