French expeditions and their role in Mauritania's occupation Mauritania's occupation

Abstract

Few sources speak of French expeditions and fewer references that address these trips and illustrate their historical significance to us. Hence my interest in the subject.

Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, France's colonial administration has embarked on a new policy of establishing rules for commercial dealing and reducing the influence of the local authority, which has necessitated it to send explorers who provide it with information.

Based on this information, the colonial administration was making plans for the country's occupation at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The motives for these trips vary by their owners and those behind them. They are driven by the search for sources of wealth, the adventure and by colonial disputes to gather information about the area in preparation for its occupation.