The region of modern-day Burkina Faso did not attract colonial attention until the late nineteenth century. By 1898, the kingdoms that now make up the majority of the region corresponding to modern-day Burkina Faso had become a French protectorate. 

These territories were added to the Upper Senegal and Burkina Faso colony of French West Africa in 1904. Over the years, regions within the area were split apart into different colonies, before Upper Volta was created on September 4th 1947 becoming an overseas territory of the French Union. 

On December 11th 1958, The Republic of Upper Volta became a self-governing autonomous republic within the French Community. 

It was nearly two years before Upper Volta gained its full independence from France in August 1960. Upper Volta changed its name to Burkina Faso in August 1984.