The first colonial trading posts start in the 15th century when Cadamostro, a Venetian navigator, discovers territory on behalf of Portugal. The triangular trade then starts with the Americas, and the Dutch, French and English take part in the slave trade. In the 17th century, the Normandy Co. installs the first trading port at Saint-Louis, "the mouth of the river", and many invasion attempts from the English follow. 

10M slaves were deported in 70 years, through the help of the House of Slaves, and were shipped in inhumane conditions. In 1817, the French took Senegal back from the English, and Louis Fairherbe is sent as a colony governor.  

Under the 3rd republic, there were 4 municipalities with reinforced status and their inhabitants were considered french citizens rather than indigenous people. In 1885, the Conference of Berlin was held, and the colonial powers were divided and shared between the whole African continent and the territories within. 

In 1946,  a law is passed that awards french citizenship to all indigenous people of the french colonies, and in 1959, Senegal merges with the French Sudan.