Glele vs Ivan V of Russia

Glele signed a treaty with France granting them commercial privileges and a protectorate over Porto-Novo, a rival kingdom. This agreement increased French influence in the region and set the stage for future colonial conflicts between France and Dahomey.

Glele died, possibly by suicide, during the escalating conflict with France. His son, Behanzin, succeeded him and immediately adopted a more aggressive anti-French stance, continuing the war that Glele had started.

Glele's forces attacked French positions and allied kingdoms along the coast, leading to open war with France. The conflict included the Battle of Cotonou, where Dahomey forces were repelled by French marines. The war ended with a treaty unfavorable to Dahomey, ceding territory.

Ivan V was crowned as co-tsar of Russia alongside his half-brother Peter I, following the Moscow Uprising of 1682. Due to his physical and mental disabilities, Ivan was a figurehead ruler, with real power exercised by his sister Sophia Alekseyevna as regent.

Ivan V continued as nominal co-tsar while his sister Sophia Alekseyevna ruled as regent from 1682 to 1689. He played no active role in governance, with all decisions made by Sophia and her advisors, including Prince Vasily Golitsyn.

After Peter I overthrew Sophia's regency, Ivan V remained co-tsar, though he continued to have no real power. He lived quietly in the Kremlin, deferring to Peter, until his death in 1696, after which Peter became sole ruler.