Radama II (September 23; 1829 - May 12; 1863 [assumed dead]) was the son and heir of Queen Ranavalona I and ruled from 1861 to 1863 over the Kingdom of Madagascar; which controlled virtually the entire island.

Radama's rule; although brief; was a pivotal period in the history of the Kingdom of Madagascar. Under the unyielding and often harsh 33-year rule of his mother; Queen Ranavalona I; Madagascar had successfully preserved its cultural and political independence from French and British designs. Rejecting the queen's policy of isolationism and Christian persecution; Radama II permitted religious freedom and re-opened Madagascar to European influence.

Under the terms of the Lambert Charter; which Radama secretly contracted in 1855 with French entrepreneur Joseph-Fran鏾is Lambert while Ranavalona yet ruled; the French were awarded exclusive rights to the exploitation of large tracts of valuable land and other lucrative resources and projects. This agreement; which was later revoked by Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony; was key to establishing France's claim over Madagascar as a protectorate and; in 1896; as a colony. Pictures From History