This chapter sets the context for the story of the Madagascar Youths. It outlines the history of European interest in Madagascar that led the first Malagasy to visit Europe and resulted in the emergence of the island as a significant supplier of provisions and slaves to European colonies in the region. It discusses the reasons for a specifically British focus on Madagascar that resulted in the 1816 mission and in the Britanno-Merina accord of 1817, and the main authorities involved. It analyses why that accord was undermined and the fallout of its failure. Finally, it examines the renewal of the alliance and its outcome in the form of the 1820 treaty, which included the decision to send a select group of 'Madagascar Youths' abroad for training under British supervision.