Politics of Benin century until the colonial period, the Kingdom of Dahomey (whose borders encompassed more than present day Benin) was ruled by an "Oba". The French were the colonial power from 1892 to 1960, when independence was finally achieved. Between 1960 and 1972, a series of military coups in Benin (known until 1975 as the Republic of Dahomey) brought about many changes of government. The last of these brought Major Mathieu Kérékou to power as the head of a regime professing strict Marxist-Leninist principles. The Revolutionary Party of the People of Benin (PRPB) remained in complete power until the beginning of the
In Dahomey York Theatre, starring George Walker and Bert Williams, two iconic figures of vaudeville entertainment at the time. The musical ran for 53 completed performances, including two tours in the United States and one tour of the United Kingdom. In total, "In Dahomey" ran for a combined total of four years. Produced by McVon Hurtig and Harry Seamon, "In Dahomey" was the first to star African American performers Bert Williams and George Walker, two of the leading comedians in America at the time. "In Dahomey" opened on February 18, 1903, at the New York Theatre, and closed on April 4, 1903