History of the Kingdom of Dahomey and the French took over the Kingdom of Dahomey in 1894. The throne was vacated by the French in 1900, but the royal families and key administrative positions of the administration continued to have a large impact in the politics of the French administration and the post-independence Republic of Dahomey, renamed Benin in 1975. Historiography of the kingdom has had a significant impact on work far beyond African history and the history of the kingdom forms the backdrop for a number of novels and plays. Prior to the centralization of the kingdom of Dahomey, the evidence suggests that the Abomey
In Dahomey twentieth century—minstrelsy, vaudeville, comic opera, and musical comedy." Significantly, the production of "In Dahomey" marked the first full-length African American musical to be staged in an indoor venue (following the earlier success of in a rooftop setting) on Broadway, premiering at the New York Theatre on February 18, 1903. During its four-year tour, "In Dahomey" proved one of the most successful musical comedies of its era. The show helped make its composer, lyricist and leading performers household names. "In Dahomey" was the first black musical to have its score published (albeit in the UK, not the US). The play is