Battles & Campaigns · 1881
Treaty of Bardo
Ksar Saïd Palace, Le Bardo, Tunisia
What happened
Representatives of France and Muhammad III as-Sadiq, the Bey of Tunis, signed the treaty. France invaded Tunisia in spring 1881, saying it was responding to a raid across the Algerian border. At the Ksar Saïd Palace in Le Bardo, the Bey signed a treaty making Tunisia a French protectorate. The Bey stayed as ruler, but France took control of foreign affairs.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Tunisia lost almost all real control of its own affairs for 75 years. The treaty also caused long tension between France and Italy.
What came next
The Conventions of La Marsa in 1883 gave France control inside Tunisia too. Tunisia became independent on 20 March 1956.
Did you know?
The town of Le Bardo is also home to the Bardo National Museum, opened in the 1880s.
Timeline
- 12 May 1881Treaty of Bardo is signed.
- 8 June 1883Conventions of La Marsa.
- 1954France proclaims Tunisian autonomy.
- 20 March 1956Tunisia becomes independent.