French Revolution In Trinidad Research Paper

The year is 1800; the events that led up to this year in my life and the lives of every member of my entire family replays vividly in my mind. This beautiful island of Trinidad, although filled with uncertainty, presents such great opportunity that going back now is just not an option. Life as a French coloured planter was changing in Grenada. The French Revolution threatened the economy and most importantly the livelihoods of us planters. In 1776, a French planter from Grenada, Roume de St Laurent, visited Trinidad in the capacity of a semi-official representative for a group of French planters in Grenada. The purpose of his visit was clear, to show interest by French Planters to immigrate to Trinidad and convince the Spanish Government to agree. St Laurent was successful in his venture and the Spanish government agreed to the …show more content…
At this time, the islands population was very small, the Spanish and indigenous populations were very small and there were very few African slaves living on the island. In 1777, French planters began to arrive on the island with their slaves and in 1779 the Spanish government approved French and Irish immigration to Trinidad and to parts of Venezuela. This brought at least 523 free settlers with 973 slaves to Trinidad, nearly all French. Now the Spanish government, in an effort to increase the population, and by extension the prosperity of the island, declared a law called the Cedula of Population in the year 1783. The intent of this law was to encourage migration to the island of Trinidad and boost the stagnant economy of the island. It specifically targeted wealthy, experienced planters who were willing to bring in their slaves, capital and expertise to the