Why did Radama I welcome missionaries and European advisers?

Radama I welcomed European advisers and missionaries primarily to consolidate his power and expand his kingdom. By forming an alliance with the British governor of Mauritius, he secured essential military support, including weapons and strategic guidance, which allowed him to prevent French reoccupation of the east coast and annex vast territories across the island.12

His engagement with Europeans served several key objectives:

• Military Expansion: With British backing, he successfully captured the east-coast town of Tamatave and launched expeditions to conquer most of the island, including the northern regions and major Sakalava kingdoms.12
• Political Legitimacy: His cooperation with Britain in their campaign to end the slave trade helped solidify his status as the recognized "King of Madagascar".12
• Modernization: By inviting European workers and the London Missionary Society, he facilitated the spread of Christianity and the adoption of a Latin alphabet for the Malagasy language, which helped modernize the administration of his growing state.12