 Under French rule, Madagascar was settled with plantations to export crops, primarily sugar, and the capital city of Antananarivo was developed further.A coaling station was established in the city Antsiranana (then known as Diego-Suarez), located on Madagascar's northern tip which became a frequent stopover for French vessels heading further east.In World War I, tens of thousands of Malagasy men were drafted into the French army to serve on the Western Front, setting the stage for future conscription of Madagascar's male population to defend mainland France.