France conquers Raiatea, ending the Leeward Islands War

Background. The Leeward Islands War was a series of diplomatic and armed conflicts between 1887 and 1897, pitting the French Third Republic against the native kingdoms of Raiatea-Tahaa, Huahine and Bora Bora. The three Leeward Islands kingdoms had been ensured independence by the Jarnac Convention, a joint agreement signed between France and Great Britain in 1847. In 1888, France and Britain agreed to abrogate their previous treaty and allow the French to annex the Leeward Islands. From 1888 to 1897 the natives resisted while civil wars broke out between pro-French and anti-French factions, with resistance strongest on Raiatea and Tahaa, where chief Teraupo'o and his followers entrenched themselves in the countryside and mountains.

Resistance and Capture. Teraupo'o, a lesser chief of Raiatea, refused to surrender to French authorities and built a resistance force in the countryside and mountains. In 1896, French warships arrived to quell the native resistance. Governor Gallet attempted to parley with rebels in December 1896, setting an ultimatum for surrender by January 1897. The armed resistance ended with the capture of Teraupo'o on 15–16 February 1897.

Aftermath. The conflict ended with the violent suppression of the Raiatean rebellion and the exile of the rebels in 1897. Teraupo'o fell into captivity and was exiled to New Caledonia, while 190 of his followers were forcibly relocated with their families to the island of Ua Huka. The Chamber ratified annexation on 19 November 1897. Uturoa is the main township on Raʻiātea and the administrative centre for the Leeward Islands.