French Sudan like agriculture, religion, and slavery. Following World War II, the African Democratic Rally (RDA) under Modibo Keita became the most significant political force pushing for independence. French Sudan initially retained close connections with France and joined in a short-lived federation with Senegal in 1959, but ties to both countries quickly weakened. In 1960, the French Sudan formally became the Republic of Mali and began to distance itself further from Senegal and France. French Sudan originally formed as a set of military outposts as an extension of the French colony in Senegal. Though the area offered France little economic or strategic
The Founding Ceremony of the Nation changes to the painting tell a bitter story, reflecting the political influences on art. But it didn't affect Dong Xiwen's love of art." Wu Hung described "The Founding of the Nation" as "arguably the most celebrated work of official Chinese art". He noted that the painting is the only "canonized" one depicting the October 1 ceremony, and that other artists have tended to give the people's perspective, subjecting themselves to Mao's gaze. The painting is a modern-day example of "damnatio memoriae", the alteration of artworks or other objects to remove the image or name of a disfavored person. Deng Zhangyu,