How Polynesia Became French

This historical narrative outlines the events connected with the 1843 French overthrow of ʻAimata Pōmare IV Vahine-o-Punuateraʻitua (Oueen Pōmare IV) of Tahiti, who became ruler when 14 years old, after the death of her brother Pōmare III. In 1843, France declared Tahiti a French protectorate and installed a governor at Papeete. Queen Pomare fought in vain against French intervention, ending in the bloody French-Tahitian War of 1843 to 1847. Readers will be intrigued in the history of Polynesia, the royal Pomare family, and the underhanded negotiations leading to the subjection of Queen Pomare IV and Polynesia becoming French.