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{{Short description|French colony in West Africa (1919-58); now Burkina Faso}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2017}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox former subdivision
{{Infobox former subdivision
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|conventional_long_name = Upper Volta
|conventional_long_name = Upper Volta
|common_name = Upper Volta
|common_name = Upper Volta
|today = {{flag|Burkina Faso}}
|today = [[Burkina Faso]]
|subdivision = Constituent
|subdivision = Constituent
|nation = French West Africa
|nation = French West Africa
|life_span = 1919–1932<br><br>1947–1958
|life_span = 1919–1932<br><br>1947–1958
|p1 = Upper Senegal and Niger
|p1 = Upper Senegal and Niger
|flag_p1 = Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1958).svg
|flag_p1 = Flag of France.svg
|p2 = Côte d'Ivoire
|p2 = History of Ivory Coast#French colonial era{{!}}Côte d'Ivoire
|flag_p2 = Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1958).svg
|flag_p2 = Flag of France.svg
|s1 = French Sudan
|s1 = French Sudan
|flag_s1 = Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1958).svg
|flag_s1 = Flag of France.svg
|s2 = Niger
|s2 = Colony of Niger
|flag_s2 = Flag of Niger.svg
|flag_s2 = Flag of France.svg
|s3 = Republic of Upper Volta
|s3 = Republic of Upper Volta
|flag_s3 = Flag of Upper Volta.svg
|flag_s3 = Flag of Upper Volta.svg
|image_flag = Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1958).svg
|image_flag = Flag of France.svg
|flag = Flag of France
|flag = Flag of Burkina Faso
|image_map = Haute-Volta (Afrique-Occidentale française).png
|image_map = Haute-Volta (Afrique-Occidentale française).png
|image_map_caption = '''Dark green''': French Upper Volta.<br/>'''Light green''': [[French West Africa]].<br/>'''Dark gray''': Other French possessions.<br>'''Darkest gray''': French Republic.
|image_map_caption = '''Dark green''': French Upper Volta<br/>'''Light green''': [[French West Africa]]<br/>'''Dark gray''': Other French possessions<br>'''Darkest gray''': French Republic
|national_anthem=[[La Marseillaise]]
|anthem=[[La Marseillaise]]
|capital = Ouagadougou
|capital = Ouagadougou
|demonym = Upper Voltese

|title_leader = [[List of governors of Upper Volta|Governor]]
|title_leader = [[List of governors of Upper Volta|Governor]]
|leader1 = Albert Mouragues
|leader1 = Albert Mouragues
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|leader3 = Max Berthet <small>(acting)</small>
|leader3 = Max Berthet <small>(acting)</small>
|year_leader3 = 1958
|year_leader3 = 1958

|title_deputy = [[Prime Minister of Upper Volta|Premier]]<sup>a</sup>
|title_deputy = [[Prime Minister of Upper Volta|Premier]]<sup>a</sup>
|deputy1 = Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly
|deputy1 = Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly
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|deputy2 = Maurice Yaméogo
|deputy2 = Maurice Yaméogo
|year_deputy2 = 1958
|year_deputy2 = 1958

|era = [[Interwar period|Interwar]]{{·}}[[Cold War]]
|era = [[Interwar period|Interwar]]{{·}}[[Cold War]]
|year_start = 1919
|year_start = 1919
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}}
}}
{{History of Burkina Faso}}
{{History of Burkina Faso}}
[[File:HauteVolta1931.jpg|thumb|Upper Volta stamp of 1931, marking the [[Paris Colonial Exhibition]]]]
[[File:Les.Colonies.françaises.Helio.Sadag.1931.Flammarion.Haute-Volta. Régio de Banfora. Le battage du riz (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Threshing]] [[African rice]] in [[Banfora Department]], 1931]]
⚫
'''Upper Volta''' ({{langx|fr|Haute-Volta}}) was a colony of [[French Third Republic|French]] [[French West Africa|West Africa]] established in 1919 in the territory occupied by present-day [[Burkina Faso]]. It was formed from territories that had been part of the colonies of [[Upper Senegal and Niger]] and the [[Ivory Coast|Côte d'Ivoire]].<ref>[http://www.discoverfrance.net/Colonies/Burkina_Faso.shtml Discoverfrance.net]</ref> The colony was dissolved on 5 September 1932, with parts being administered by the Côte d'Ivoire, [[French Sudan]] and the [[Colony of Niger]].


⚫
After World War II, on 4 September 1947, the colony was revived as a part of the [[French Union]], with its previous boundaries. On 11 December 1958, it was reconstituted as the [[Self-governing colony|self-governing]] [[Republic of Upper Volta]] within the [[French Community]], and two years later on 5 August 1960, it attained full independence. On 4 August 1984, the name was changed to Burkina Faso.
⚫
'''Upper Volta''' ({{lang-fr|Haute-Volta}}) was a colony of [[French Third Republic|French]] [[French West Africa|West Africa]] established on 1 March 1919, from territories that had been part of the colonies of [[Upper Senegal and Niger]] and the [[Ivory Coast|Côte d'Ivoire]].<ref>[http://www.discoverfrance.net/Colonies/Burkina_Faso.shtml Discoverfrance.net]</ref> The colony was dissolved on 5 September 1932, with parts being administered by the Côte d'Ivoire, [[French Sudan]] and the [[Colony of Niger]].

⚫
After World War II, on 4 September 1947, the colony was revived as a part of the [[French Union]], with its previous boundaries. On 11 December 1958, it was reconstituted as the [[Self-governing colony|self-governing]] [[Republic of Upper Volta]] within the [[French Community]], and two years later on 5 August 1960, it attained full independence. On 4 August 1984, the name was changed to [[Burkina Faso]].


The name Upper Volta indicates that the country contains the upper part of the [[Volta River]]. The river is divided into three parts, called the [[Black Volta]], [[White Volta]] and [[Red Volta]].
The name Upper Volta indicates that the country contains the upper part of the [[Volta River]]. The river is divided into three parts, called the [[Black Volta]], [[White Volta]] and [[Red Volta]].
Line 63: Line 63:
== History ==
== History ==
{{main|History of Burkina Faso}}
{{main|History of Burkina Faso}}
[[File:NDA Haute-Volta.jpg|thumb|[[Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa]] at a dispensary in [[Toma, Burkina Faso|Toma]], 1920s]]
⚫
Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Upper Volta was dominated by the empire-building [[Mossi people|Mossi]]/[[Mossi Kingdoms]], who are believed to have come up to their present location from present-day northern [[Ghana]]. For centuries, the Mossi peasant was both farmer and soldier, and the Mossi people were able to defend their religious beliefs and social structure against forcible attempts to convert them to [[Islam]] by Muslims from the northwest.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DNAWAAAAYAAJ&q=upper+volta |title=Background Notes |date=1979 |publisher=Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Public Communications |language=en |chapter=Upper Volta}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>


⚫
When the French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, Mossi resistance ended with the capture of their capital at [[Ouagadougou]]. In 1919, certain provinces from [[Upper Senegal and Niger]] were united into a separate colony called the Upper Volta in the [[French West Africa]] federation. In 1932, the new colony was dismembered in a move to economise;<ref>Skinner, E.P. (1989). The Mossi of Burkina Faso: chiefs, politicians and soldiers. Waveland Press Inc.</ref> it was reconstituted in 1937 as an administrative division called the Upper Coast. After World War II, the Mossi renewed their pressure for separate territorial status and on 4 September 1947, Upper Volta became a French West African territory again in its own right.
⚫
Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Upper Volta was dominated by the empire-building [[Mossi people|Mossi]]/[[Mossi Kingdoms]], who are believed to have come up to their present location from present-day Northern [[Ghana]]. For centuries, the Mossi peasant was both farmer and soldier, and the Mossi people were able to defend their religious beliefs and social structure against forcible attempts to convert them to [[Islam]] by Muslims from the northwest.


The indigenous population was highly discriminated against.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} For example, African children were not allowed to ride bicycles or pick fruit from trees, "privileges" reserved for the children of colonists.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} Violating these regulations could land parents in jail.{{dubious|date=November 2024}}<ref>Figures de la révolution africaine, de Kenyatta à Sankara, La Découverte, 2014, pp. 271-288.</ref>
⚫
When the French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, Mossi resistance ended with the capture of their capital at [[Ouagadougou]]. In 1919, certain provinces from [[Côte d'Ivoire]] were united into a separate colony called the Upper Volta in the [[French West Africa]] federation. In 1932, the new colony was dismembered in a move to economise; it was reconstituted in 1937 as an administrative division called the Upper Coast. After World War II, the Mossi renewed their pressure for separate territorial status and on 4 September 1947, Upper Volta became a French West African territory again in its own right.


A revision in the organisation of French overseas territories began with the passage of the Basic Law (Loi Cadre) of 23 July 1956. This act was followed by reorganisational measures approved by the French parliament early in 1957 that ensured a large degree of self-government for individual territories. Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French community on 11 December 1958.
A revision in the organisation of French overseas territories began with the passage of the Basic Law (Loi Cadre) of 23 July 1956. This act was followed by reorganisational measures approved by the French parliament early in 1957 that ensured a large degree of self-government for individual territories. Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French community on 11 December 1958.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |title=4 AFRICAN STATES ATTAIN FREEDOM; France Gives Independence to Ivory Coast, Niger, Dahomey and Volta |url=https://select.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=F70F1FFD385A1A7A93C0A8178CD85F448685F9 |access-date=9 April 2018 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


Upper Volta achieved independence on 5 August 1960. The first president, [[Maurice Yaméogo]], was the leader of the [[Voltaic Democratic Union]] (UDV). The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal suffrage of a president and a national assembly for five year terms; however, soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all political parties other than the UDV.
Upper Volta achieved independence on 5 August 1960.<ref name=":1" /> The first president, [[Maurice Yaméogo]], was the leader of the [[Voltaic Democratic Union]] (UDV). The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal suffrage of a president and a national assembly for five year terms; however, soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all political parties other than the UDV.<ref>''Benin, The Congo, Burkina Faso, Politics, Economics and Society'', 1989, Joan Baxter and Keith Somerville, Pinter Publishers, London and New York, (Book)</ref>


== Colonial governors ==
== Colonial governors ==
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===Lieutenant Governors (1919–1932)===
===Lieutenant Governors (1919–1932)===
*[[Édouard Hesling]] (9 November 1919 – 7 August 1927)
*[[Édouard Hesling]] (9 November 1919 – 7 August 1927)
**[[Robert Arnaud]] (7 August, 1927 – 13 January 1928), ''acting''
**[[Robert Arnaud]] (7 August 1927 – 13 January 1928), ''acting''
*[[Albéric Fournier]] (13 January 1928 – 22 December 1932)
*[[Albéric Fournier]] (13 January 1928 – 22 December 1932)
*[[Gabriel Descemet]] (22 December 1932 – 31 December 1932)
*[[Gabriel Descemet]] (22 December 1932 – 31 December 1932)
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==People born in French Upper Volta==
==People born in French Upper Volta==
* [[Norbert Zongo]]
* [[Norbert Zongo]]
* [[Gilbert Diendéré]]


== See also ==
== See also ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:French Upper Volta}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:French Upper Volta}}
[[Category:French Upper Volta| ]]
[[Category:French Upper Volta| ]]
[[Category:History of Burkina Faso]]
[[Category:French West Africa]]
[[Category:French West Africa]]
[[Category:Republic of Upper Volta]]
[[Category:20th century in Burkina Faso]]
[[Category:20th century in Burkina Faso]]
[[Category:Former colonies in Africa]]
[[Category:Former colonies in Africa]]

Latest revision as of 23:45, 28 November 2024

Upper Volta
Haute-Volta
Constituent of French West Africa
1919–1932

1947–1958
Flag of Upper Volta

Dark green: French Upper Volta
Light green: French West Africa
Dark gray: Other French possessions
Darkest gray: French Republic
Anthem
La Marseillaise
CapitalOuagadougou
DemonymUpper Voltese
Government
Governor 
• 1948–1953
Albert Mouragues
• 1957–1958
Yvon Bourges
• 1958
Max Berthet (acting)
Premiera 
• 1957–1958
Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly
• 1958
Maurice Yaméogo
Historical eraInterwar · Cold War
• Established
1 March 1919
• Abolished
5 September 1932
• Reestablished
4 September 1947
• Autonomy
11 December 1958
5 August 1960
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Upper Senegal and Niger
Côte d'Ivoire
French Sudan
Colony of Niger
Republic of Upper Volta
Today part ofBurkina Faso
a. President of the Government Council.
Part of a series on the
History of Burkina Faso
Flag of Burkina Faso
Bura
Bura-Asinda		 Prehistoric
c. 3rd–13th century
Mossi Kingdoms c. 11th century – 1896
Kong Empire c. 1710 – 1898
French Upper Volta
1919–1932
1947–1958
Republic 1958–1984
Burkina Faso
(1984–present)
Agacher Strip War 1985
Assassination of Sankara 1987
Compaoré rule 1987–2014
Burkinabè revolution 2014
Transitional period 2014–2015
Jihadist insurgency 2015–present
Burkinabé coup d'état 2015
2015 elections and aftermath 2015–2022
January and September coup d'état 2022
Upper Volta stamp of 1931, marking the Paris Colonial Exhibition
Threshing African rice in Banfora Department, 1931

Upper Volta (French: Haute-Volta) was a colony of French West Africa established in 1919 in the territory occupied by present-day Burkina Faso. It was formed from territories that had been part of the colonies of Upper Senegal and Niger and the Côte d'Ivoire.[1] The colony was dissolved on 5 September 1932, with parts being administered by the Côte d'Ivoire, French Sudan and the Colony of Niger.

After World War II, on 4 September 1947, the colony was revived as a part of the French Union, with its previous boundaries. On 11 December 1958, it was reconstituted as the self-governing Republic of Upper Volta within the French Community, and two years later on 5 August 1960, it attained full independence. On 4 August 1984, the name was changed to Burkina Faso.

The name Upper Volta indicates that the country contains the upper part of the Volta River. The river is divided into three parts, called the Black Volta, White Volta and Red Volta.

History

[edit]
Main article: History of Burkina Faso
Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa at a dispensary in Toma, 1920s

Until the end of the 19th century, the history of Upper Volta was dominated by the empire-building Mossi/Mossi Kingdoms, who are believed to have come up to their present location from present-day northern Ghana. For centuries, the Mossi peasant was both farmer and soldier, and the Mossi people were able to defend their religious beliefs and social structure against forcible attempts to convert them to Islam by Muslims from the northwest.[2]

When the French arrived and claimed the area in 1896, Mossi resistance ended with the capture of their capital at Ouagadougou. In 1919, certain provinces from Upper Senegal and Niger were united into a separate colony called the Upper Volta in the French West Africa federation. In 1932, the new colony was dismembered in a move to economise;[3] it was reconstituted in 1937 as an administrative division called the Upper Coast. After World War II, the Mossi renewed their pressure for separate territorial status and on 4 September 1947, Upper Volta became a French West African territory again in its own right.

The indigenous population was highly discriminated against.[citation needed] For example, African children were not allowed to ride bicycles or pick fruit from trees, "privileges" reserved for the children of colonists.[citation needed] Violating these regulations could land parents in jail.[dubious – discuss][4]

A revision in the organisation of French overseas territories began with the passage of the Basic Law (Loi Cadre) of 23 July 1956. This act was followed by reorganisational measures approved by the French parliament early in 1957 that ensured a large degree of self-government for individual territories. Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French community on 11 December 1958.[2][5]

Upper Volta achieved independence on 5 August 1960.[2] The first president, Maurice Yaméogo, was the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV). The 1960 constitution provided for election by universal suffrage of a president and a national assembly for five year terms; however, soon after coming to power, Yaméogo banned all political parties other than the UDV.[6]

Colonial governors

[edit]

Lieutenant Governors (1919–1932)

[edit]

Governors (1947–1958)

[edit]

High Commissioners (1958–1960)

[edit]

People born in French Upper Volta

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Discoverfrance.net
  2. ^ a b c "Upper Volta". Background Notes. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Public Communications. 1979. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ Skinner, E.P. (1989). The Mossi of Burkina Faso: chiefs, politicians and soldiers. Waveland Press Inc.
  4. ^ Figures de la révolution africaine, de Kenyatta à Sankara, La Découverte, 2014, pp. 271-288.
  5. ^ "4 AFRICAN STATES ATTAIN FREEDOM; France Gives Independence to Ivory Coast, Niger, Dahomey and Volta". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  6. ^ Benin, The Congo, Burkina Faso, Politics, Economics and Society, 1989, Joan Baxter and Keith Somerville, Pinter Publishers, London and New York, (Book)

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