Soon after the war, Madagascar began to demand independence from France. In March 1947, the Malagasy Uprising began and lasted until December 1948 when French forces defeated the Malagasy rebels. Madagascar moved towards greater autonomy in several stages between 1958 and 1960. France offered three options in the constitutional referendum of September 1958: to be an overseas territory; a department; or "a state [...] that will deal with the French republic on a basis of equality... within the larger community". Madagascans chose the latter option. However throughout the regime of Tsiranana (1959–72) the relationship to France remained strong, with French representation in the provincial assemblies and a French role in military and intelligence affairs, while the currency was linked to the French franc.