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MARTINIQUE

MARTINIQUE. Théo Professor Panaccione French I. HISTORY. First European sighting by Columbus in 1493 Who named the island Martinique Was inhabited by the Caribbean Indians who drove out the Arawaks Spaniards did not leave colonists on island for fear of it’s native people.

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MARTINIQUE

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  1. MARTINIQUE Théo Professor Panaccione French I

  2. HISTORY • First European sighting by Columbus in 1493 • Who named the island Martinique • Was inhabited by the Caribbean Indians who drove out the Arawaks • Spaniards did not leave colonists on island for fear of it’s native people

  3. HISTORY CONTINUED… • Martinique was claimed by France in 1635 • Led by by Pierre Belaind’Esnambuc • Settlers built small fort and established a settlement that became the capital city, St. Pierre • October 31, 1636: King Louis XIII signed a decree authorizing the use of African slaves in the French West Indies • Settlers quickly colonized the land with the help of slave labor

  4. HISTORY CONTINUED… • By 1640: Had extended their colonies south to Fort de France • Forests were cleared for sugar plantations causing conflicts with the native “Caribs” escalating into warfare • By 1660: Caribs who had survived fighting were forced off the island • Island remained a French possession except for three brief periods of foreign occupation

  5. HISTORY CONTINUED… • Britain became interested in Martinique • Invading and holding the island for most of the period from 1794 to 1815 • Island prospered under British occupation • Occupation allowed Martinique to avoid turmoil of the French Revolution • In 1789, the Estates-General reconvened and it became apparent the higher-ranking classes refused to forfeit privileges • Revolution was a battle to achieve equality and remove oppression

  6. HISTORY CONTINUED… • British returned the island to France in 1815 • Napoleonic Wars had ended and French empire was again entering a period of stability • After French Administration was re-established on Martinique, golden era of sugarcane was replaced sugar beets • Losing their wealth, aristocratic plantation owners lost much political influence as the abolitionist movement gained momentum

  7. HISTORY CONTINUED… • Abolitionist movement led by Victor Schoelcher, a French cabinet minister • Convinced provisional government to sign 1848 Emancipation Proclamation • Brought an end to slavery in the French West Indies • May 8, 1902: Mont Pelée volcano errupted • Destroyed the capital city of St. Pierre and killed 30,000 people • Capital moved to Fort de France

  8. HISTORY CONTINUED… • 1946: Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France, it’s current status • Meaning the island is represented in the National Assembly, Senate, and Economic and Social Council, can vote to elect European Parliament, and use the Euro as currency • August 2007: Hurricane Dean wiped out Martinique’s banana crop • Causing damage estimated at $240 million

  9. WHAT’S IT CALLED? • Official name: Département d'outre-mer de la Martinique • International long form: Department of Martinique • Short form: Martinique • Alternative name: Madinina (Flower Island)

  10. GEOGRAPHY • Location: Belongs to Windward Islands • Land area of 1,128 km² • Mountainous with indented coastline and dormant volcano • Temperatures average 79°F

  11. INHABITANTS • Nationality: Martiniquais • Population: 433,000 • Ethnic Groups: Mainly African & African-white-Indian • Religions: Christianity 90% • Languages: French (official), Creole patois • Literacy: 98%

  12. GOVERNMENT • General Council composed of 45 seats • Members are elected by popular vote • Serve six year terms • Regional Council composed of 41 seats • Members are elected by popular vote • Serve six year terms • Martinique elects 2 seats to the French Senate • Martinique elects 4 seats to the French National Assembly

  13. ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES • World-renowned for cuisine • Over 365 restaurants feature the best of French and Creole • Rum capital of the world • Home to 12 brands of Rum • Birthplace of Napoleon’s bride, Empress Josephine • Over 25 museums

  14. ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS CONTINUED… • Wide range of nature-themed vacation adventures • Two-thirds of island is designated as protected parkland • Hiking 27 marked trail’s, kayaking, horseback riding, a 4x4 tour • Offers abundant marine life, historic shipwrecks and reefs • Highlight is Diamond Rock

  15. ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS CONTINUED… • Offers best of Parisian fashion, jewelry, perfumes • La Galleria Mall is a hot shopping location

  16. WORKS CITED • http://www.lonelyplanet.com/martinique/history • http://www.martinique.org/pdf/quickFacts12.pdf • http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/19/country_facts/main3277439.shtml# • http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/martinique.htm#Map

  17. THANK YOU! MERCI!

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