A full-scale insurrection against the colonial government was launched on March 30, 1947. The French suppressed it, but around 100,000 Malagasy died in the process. Finally, in 1956, Vice-Premier Philibert Tsiranana founded the Social Democratic Party. The PSD was sympathetic to the Merina's cause, and, in response to several more small insurrections between 1956 and 1958, lobbied for Malagasy Freedom in 1958. On September 28, 1958, Madagascar voted successfully for autonomy. On October 14 of the same year, Former Vice-Premier Philibert Tsiranana was proclaimed Head of the new government.