Creating French Tunisia Durring the Scramble for Africa

Northwestern University

The  above image is a photo copy of a historical map, the Carte de la Tunisie 1889 as produced in Paris, France by, France. Armée. Service géographique.

The french took control of Tunisia on May 12th 1881 with the signing of the Treaty of Bardo. This treaty between the French Republic and  Bey Muhammed as-Sadiq formerly of the Ottoman Empire  recognized Tunisia as a French protectorate.According to this treaty the Bey agreed to Tunisia’s occupation by French troops under the pretext of restoring order and security to the borders and coast as well as allowing for French rule over Tunisia’s financial organisation.  French fiscal responsibility ensured the payment of the public debt and guarantee the rights of Tunisia’s creditors. With this treaty France also pledged to aid  the Tunisian Bey should a threat be imposed upon him personally, or against his dynasty. (Lutsky)

Muhammad III as-Sadiq 

public domain via Wikipedia.

Tunisia however was not an offical protectorate until  the 1883 La Marsa Convention. At this time a new treaty was signed between the French Republic and the current Bey Muddat ibn al-husayn. As a French protectorate supreme authority was passed to the French however the  Tunisian government still remained much as it was. Although the French Republic appointed an agent to act as a direct link between France and Tunisia, Tunisian ministers were still appointed to local government and Tunisians continued to be subjects of the bey. Although now officially a French colony, the French did not change the official language, confiscate land,  or convert mosques into churches. Tunisia remained a French protectorate until it was granted full independence in 1956. (Clarke) 

Tunisian Girls on the beach. circa 1900 pic. unrestricted access from the Library of Congress.