Glele

ModernEmperorDahomey1830 — 1889

Dahomey king who fought French colonization.

Compare Glele with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1830

Died

1889

Country

Dahomey

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)42

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)67

Strategy (15%)35

Total Score49.3

Glele — Complete Timeline

1863 AD

Treaty of Porto-Novo with FrancePolitical Action◆ Major

Glele signed a treaty with France granting them commercial privileges and a protectorate over Porto-Novo, a rival kingdom. This agreement increased French influence in the region and set the stage for future colonial conflicts between France and Dahomey.

French ColonialismTreatyPorto-Novo

Impact: regional

1889 AD

Death of Glele and succession of BehanzinPolitical Action

Glele died, possibly by suicide, during the escalating conflict with France. His son, Behanzin, succeeded him and immediately adopted a more aggressive anti-French stance, continuing the war that Glele had started.

SuccessionDeathColonial Conflict

Impact: nationaltragic

1890 AD

Dahomey-French War (First)War◆ Major

Glele's forces attacked French positions and allied kingdoms along the coast, leading to open war with France. The conflict included the Battle of Cotonou, where Dahomey forces were repelled by French marines. The war ended with a treaty unfavorable to Dahomey, ceding territory.

French Colonial WarBattle of CotonouTerritorial Loss

Impact: regionaldestructive