Seychelles Since 1770: The History of a Slave and Post-Slavery Society

A comprehensive history of the Seychelles, this volume traces its periods of colonisation by France and Britain, the immobile years of the twentieth century, the granting of independence in 1976, and the social changes precipitated by tourism in the late-1990s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2018
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

This comprehensive history of the Seychelles spans several centuries, tracing its colonization by France and Britain, the relatively static years of the twentieth century, the achievement of independence in 1976, and the profound social transformations brought about by the advent of tourism in the late 1990s.

The Seychelles, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, have a rich and complex history that is intertwined with the colonial powers of Europe. The islands were first discovered by European sailors in the 15th century, and they were subsequently colonized by France and Britain.

The French colonization of the Seychelles began in the 17th century, and it lasted for more than two centuries. During this time, the islands were used as a hub for the slave trade, with thousands of African slaves being transported to Europe for labor. The French also established a plantation economy on the islands, which relied heavily on the cultivation of sugarcane and other crops.

The British colonization of the Seychelles began in the 18th century, and it lasted for less than a century. During this time, the islands were used as a base for the British Royal Navy, and they were also developed as a hub for the spice trade. The British also established a penal colony on the islands, which was used to punish criminals and political dissidents.

The period of French colonization was marked by the establishment of a complex social and political system on the islands. The French colonists imposed their culture and language on the Seychellois people, and they also established a system of slavery that lasted for more than two centuries. The Seychellois people were subjected to harsh conditions, and many of them died as a result of the slave trade.

The period of British colonization was marked by a different set of challenges. The British colonists attempted to establish a more democratic system of government on the islands, but they were met with resistance from the French colonists. The British also attempted to develop the islands' economy, but they were hindered by the slave trade and the plantation economy that the French had established.

The period of independence for the Seychelles was a long and difficult process. The islands were finally granted independence in 1976, after years of campaigning and negotiations with the French and British governments. However, the process of independence was not without its challenges. The Seychelles were left with a legacy of colonialism and slavery, and they faced a number of social and economic challenges in the years that followed.

One of the most significant social changes that occurred in the Seychelles after independence was the growth of tourism. The islands were marketed as a paradise destination, with their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forests attracting tourists from all over the world. The growth of tourism brought with it a number of benefits, including job creation and economic growth. However, it also brought with it a number of challenges, including environmental degradation, cultural insensitivity, and social inequality.

The environmental degradation that occurred as a result of the growth of tourism was one of the most significant challenges that the Seychelles faced. The islands were heavily reliant on tourism, and as a result, they were subjected to a number of environmental pressures, including overfishing, deforestation, and pollution. The overfishing of the islands' coral reefs has had a devastating impact on the marine ecosystem, and it has led to the decline of many species of fish and other marine life. The deforestation of the islands has also led to soil erosion, water pollution, and the loss of habitat for many species of plants and animals.

The cultural insensitivity that occurred as a result of the growth of tourism was another significant challenge that the Seychelles faced. The islands were marketed as a paradise destination, and as a result, many tourists came to the islands with a romanticized view of the Seychellois people and their culture. However, this view of the Seychellois people was often inaccurate and insensitive, and it led to a number of negative interactions between tourists and the Seychellois people. For example, many tourists came to the islands expecting to see traditional African dances and music, but they were often disappointed to find that these forms of cultural expression were not widely practiced on the islands.

The social inequality that occurred as a result of the growth of tourism was another significant challenge that the Seychelles faced. The islands were heavily reliant on tourism, and as a result, many of the benefits of the tourism industry were concentrated in a small number of people. This led to a number of social problems, including poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. For example, many of the Seychellois people who worked in the tourism industry were paid low wages, and they were often subjected to poor working conditions.

Despite these challenges, the growth of tourism has also brought with it a number of benefits for the Seychelles. The tourism industry has created a number of job opportunities for the Seychellois people, and it has contributed to the economic growth of the islands. The tourism industry has also brought with it a number of cultural benefits, including the promotion of the Seychellois people's culture and heritage.

In conclusion, the history of the Seychelles is a complex and multifaceted story that is intertwined with the colonial powers of Europe. The islands were first discovered by European sailors in the 15th century, and they were subsequently colonized by France and Britain. The period of French colonization was marked by the establishment of a complex social and political system, and the Seychellois people were subjected to harsh conditions and many died as a result of the slave trade. The period of British colonization was marked by a different set of challenges, and the Seychellois people faced resistance from the British colonists. The period of independence for the Seychelles was a long and difficult process, but it was marked by the growth of tourism, which brought with it a number of benefits and challenges. The growth of tourism has led to environmental degradation, cultural insensitivity, and social inequality, but it has also brought with it a number of benefits, including job creation and economic growth. The Seychelles continue to face a number of challenges in the years to come, but they are a resilient and vibrant country that is committed to sustainable development and the protection of its natural resources.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 215 x 140 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849048415