Behanzin vs Frederik VIII of Denmark

Upon ascending the throne, Behanzin refused to sign a French protectorate treaty that would have made Dahomey a French colony. This act of defiance directly led to the escalation of hostilities and the Second Franco-Dahomean War.

Behanzin led a full-scale war against French colonial forces under General Alfred Dodds. Despite fierce resistance and the use of the Dahomey Amazons, the French superior firepower and logistics led to the capture of the capital, Abomey, in November 1892.

After surrendering to the French in 1894, Behanzin was deposed and exiled to Martinique, a French colony in the Caribbean. This exile ended his reign and marked the definitive end of Dahomey's independence, as the French established full colonial control.

Frederik VIII continued the trend toward parliamentary democracy, allowing the formation of a government led by the liberal Venstre party. This further reduced the monarchy's political power and strengthened the Folketing.

Frederik VIII became King of Denmark on January 29, 1906, following the death of his father, Christian IX. His reign was short and marked by liberal reforms and political tensions.

During his reign, Frederik VIII supported liberal reforms including improvements in primary education and the expansion of social welfare programs. These measures aimed to modernize Danish society and address working-class concerns.

Frederik VIII died suddenly on May 14, 1912, in Hamburg, Germany, while returning from a trip to Nice. His death was attributed to a heart attack, though rumors of suicide circulated. He was succeeded by his son, Christian X.