France officially occupied Gabon

In 1885, France officially occupied Gabon, marking a significant moment in the region's colonial history. Prior to this occupation, the area was inhabited by various Bantu groups, who had established their communities and cultures over centuries. The French presence in Gabon began with explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who led his first mission to the Gabon-Congo area in 1875. His efforts culminated in the founding of Franceville, which later became a key administrative center under French colonial rule. The occupation of Gabon was part of France's broader strategy to expand its influence in Central Africa, which eventually led to Gabon becoming a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910. This period of French rule significantly impacted the social, economic, and political landscape of Gabon, laying the groundwork for future developments in the region, including the eventual push for independence. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape Gabon's identity and its relations with France today. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #Gabon #FrenchColonialHistory #BantuGroups #PierreSavorgnanDeBrazza #FrenchEquatorialAfrica