The French, under the auspices of the French West Indian Company, chartered by Cardinal Richelieu in 1635, successfully settle Martinique and Guadeloupe, laying the base for later expansion to St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Grenada, St. Lucia, and western Hispaniola, which will be formally ceded by Spain in 1697 in the Treaty of Ryswick (signed between France and the alliance of Spain, the Netherlands, and England and ending the War of the Grand Alliance).

The Dutch had failed in several attempts to win back St. Martin from Spanish control.

When the the Eighty Years' War ended fifteen years after the Spanish had conquered the island, the Spanish lost their inclination to continue defending it, as they no longer need this additional base in the Caribbean and St. Martin barely turns a profit.

They abandon the island in 1648.

With St. Martin free again, both the Dutch and the French eagerly reestablish their settlements.

Dutch colonists come from St. Eustatius, while the French come from St. Kitts.

After some initial conflict, both sides realized that neither would yield easily.

Preferring to avoid an all-out war, they sign the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, which divides the island in two.

During the treaty's negotiation, the French have a fleet of naval ships off shore, which they use as a threat to bargain more land for themselves.

Louis wants to increase his power in the colonies.

Jews in the Caribbean are mostly active in the Dutch colonies, so their presence is seen as a Dutch influence.

Also at this time, the majority of the population of the French Caribbean are slaves and slave revolts are frequent.

The Code Noir (Black Code), a decree passed by Louis in March 1685, defines the conditions of slavery in the French colonial empire, restricts the activities of free Negroes, forbids the exercise of any religion other than Roman Catholicism, and orders all Jews out of France's colonies.

The code is one of the many laws inspired by Colbert, the King’s late finance minister.

A large trade has grown between the New England and Middle colonies and the French, Dutch, and Spanish West Indian possessions.

Molasses from the British West Indies, used in New England for making rum, which is experiencing rapidly increasing consumption in the West, is priced much higher than its competitors.

The West Indian planters also have no need for the large quantities of lumber, fish, and other items offered by the colonies in exchange.

The British West Indies in the first part of the eighteenth century are the most important trading partner for Great Britain, so Parliament is attentive to their requests.

However, rather than acceding to the demands to prohibit the colonies from trading with the non-British islands, Parliament passes the prohibitively high tax on the colonies for the import of molasses from these islands.

The Molasses Act of 1733, created largely at the insistence of large plantation owners, levies a heavy tax—six pence per gallon—on molasses coming from anywhere except Britain’s Caribbean sugar islands.

The Act is not passed for the purpose of raising revenue, but rather to regulate trade by making British products cheaper than those from the French West Indies.

Largely opposed by colonists, who profit from a lucrative trade with the French sugar islands, the tax will be rarely paid, and smuggling to avoid it will become prominent.

If actually collected, the tax would have effectively closed that source to New England and destroyed much of the rum industry, yet smuggling, bribery or intimidation of customs officials will effectively nullify the law.

The growing corruption of local officials and disrespect for British Law caused by this act and others like it, such as the Stamp Act or Townshend Acts, will eventually lead in 1776 to the American Revolution.

Eastern West Indies (1744–1755 CE): Colonial Warfare and Shifts in Territorial Control

War of the Austrian Succession in the Caribbean

Between 1744 and 1755, the War of the Austrian Succession extended European conflicts into Caribbean colonial territories, intensifying military confrontations and strategic maneuvering. British forces from Saint Kitts invaded the French-controlled half of neighboring Saint Martin in 1744, occupying it until the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

French Invasion of Anguilla

In retaliation, a French fleet led by Commodore La Touché, consisting of two royal frigates, three privateers, and two Dutch support vessels, departed Martinique in late May 1745 to capture Anguilla. The British defenders, comprising around 150 militia and regular soldiers under Governor Arthur Hodge, fortified their position despite being outnumbered.

On May 21, the French forces, numbering 759 men, landed unexpectedly at Rendezvous Bay, achieving initial surprise. However, Governor Hodge strategically positioned British defenders along a narrow path, resulting in a highly effective ambush. British forces, led by Captain Richardson, inflicted heavy casualties, quickly breaking French ranks. The subsequent British counterattack turned the French retreat into a rout, forcing the attackers back to their ships amid chaos, heavy losses, and drownings.

The French fleet withdrew to Martinique following the battle, leaving behind at least 100 French casualties, including notable officers such as Commodore La Touché's second captain, the first lieutenant of another frigate, Captain Rolough of a privateer, and the son of the Governor of Saint Barthélemy. La Touché himself was wounded and later negotiated unsuccessfully for prisoner exchanges. The British, suffering only seven casualties, captured two French colors, firearms, grenades, and swivel guns, rewarding the enslaved Africans who aided in their defense efforts.

Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and Colonial Adjustments

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) provided minimal clarity regarding territorial claims in the Caribbean, leaving many disputes unresolved. However, the treaty established neutrality for Tobago, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and Dominica, allowing economic access without garrisons. Significantly, France gained definitive control of Saint Luciaas a colony.

Danish Administrative Changes

The Danish presence in the Caribbean, through the Danish West India and Guinea Company, continued its economic prosperity based primarily on the North Atlantic triangular trade. In 1754, administrative control of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas transitioned directly to the Danish crown under King Frederick V, making them royal Danish colonies and marking the end of the Danish West India Company's governance.

Conclusion

The period from 1744 to 1755 in the Eastern West Indies was marked by intense colonial warfare and territorial readjustments. Battles like the decisive British victory on Anguilla demonstrated the volatility of colonial control, while diplomatic outcomes such as the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle reshaped political boundaries and colonial policies. Simultaneously, the Danish shift to direct royal governance underscored the evolving complexities and geopolitical significance of the Caribbean colonies.

The War of the Austrian Succession has brought the fighting over to the rest of the French and British colonial territories in India and the Caribbean.

Convoys and holdings of each nation are a target or a threat.

Three hundred British militia, slaves and regulars with two privateers from Saint Kitts had invaded the French half of neighboring Saint Martin in 1744; they will hold it until the 1748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.

In retaliation, two French royal frigates of thirty-six and thirty guns, respectively, under Commodore La Touché, plus three privateers and two Dutch vessels, used as tenders, sail in late May 1745 from Martinique to invade and capture Anguilla.

The British on Anguilla are aware of the threat and thus ready themselves with around one hundred and fifty militia and regulars from the islands small garrison. 

They are surprised early in the morning of the 21st May by the French fleet.

Le Touché lands seven hundred and fifty-nine men at a place called Rendezvous Bay.

The surprise landing is a great encouragement to the French on the island and a great discouragement to the heavily outnumbered British.

The Governor, Arthur Hodge, forms their defenders into three platoons, and posts them in a very narrow path behind well hidden breast-works by which the French are to pass.

The first of these contains twenty-two regulars, commanded by Captain Richardson.

The French are advancing into carefully placed ambush.

The regulars engage the French, firing by platoons regularly, and with a good accuracy, taking a heavy toll on the attackers.

Within a few minutes, the advance guard breaks rank and soon flees.

Within fifteen minutes the other sections repeat the same fate, holding their ground as the rest of the French advance and they too also retreat.

The British now launch a counterattack, pursuing the retreating French as they head back towards their boats in the bay.

The retreat becomes a rout as the panicked French try to get into their boats, many of them drowning in the attempt.

The French ships open fire on the British, who halt their pursuit and round up prisoners.

The small British force expects a fresh attack the next day but the French, having encountered such heavy resistance, decide not to push on and withdraw to Martinique.

At least one hundred French are killed, drowned or wounded in this action, while another fifty are taken prisoner.

The British bury thirty-five dead, and are in search of the few remaining French soldiers who had hidden in the bushes, including a few who had been wounded.

Among the dead are the second captain of Commodore Le Touché, the first Lieutenant of the second warship; Captain Rolough from a privateer; the son of the Governor of Saint Barthélemy, and several other officers.

Touché, who is himself wounded in his arm and thigh, sets on shore a Flag of Truce to ask for prisoners back in exchange for articles such as food, wine and stores.

The British force have suffered seven casualties but have captured two French colors, many firearms, cartridge boxes, hand grenades and swivel guns.

According to the Governor the spoils were given to ‘negroes’ of the island for their reward in helping in the defense.

Eastern West Indies (1756–1767 CE): War, Colonial Transitions, and Natural Disasters

Seven Years' War in the Caribbean

Between 1756 and 1767, the global Seven Years' War heavily impacted the Eastern West Indies, as European powers vied fiercely for dominance. British forces captured Grenada on March 4, 1762, under Commodore Swanton without resistance. Grenada was formally ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Paris (1763). A significant earthquake struck Grenada in 1766, followed by a suppressed rebellion among the enslaved population the following year.

Throughout the war, Britain secured control over several islands, notably St. Vincent, Grenada, and Tobago, reflecting significant territorial gains in the region.

British Victories and Strategic Shifts

The year 1759, often called Britain's Annus Mirabilis (year of wonders), saw sweeping British successes across global theaters. These included repelling French forces in India, decisive victories at the Battle of Minden in Europe, naval triumphs at the Battles of Lagos and Quiberon Bay, and significant North American conquests including Quebec City and Guadeloupe. British politician Horace Walpole famously remarked, "Our bells are worn threadbare with ringing for victories." British dominance established this year would notably elevate Britain’s global position at the expense of France.

Under the strategic direction of Secretary of State William Pitt the Elder, British forces carried out major offensives in the West Indies. In January 1759, British troops landed at Martinique but soon shifted focus to Guadeloupe due to stiff resistance. After intense fighting, disease, and leadership setbacks—including the death of commander Peregrine Hopson—Colonel John Barrington led British forces to victory, compelling the French governor Nadau du Treil to surrender on May 1, 1759. The costly victory, however, saw heavy casualties due to the tropical climate.

Following the war, Britain debated retaining either Canada or Guadeloupe. Britain ultimately prioritized Canada's strategic value, returning Guadeloupe to France under the Treaty of Paris (1763).

Jesuit Expulsion and Financial Crisis

In the French colony of Martinique, economic turmoil followed the bankruptcy of Jesuit missions. Father Antoine La Vallette, who borrowed heavily to expand plantation operations, faced ruin when ships laden with goods worth millions were captured during war. His creditors' legal action in 1760 led to a severe financial crisis, significantly contributing to the suppression of the Jesuit order across French territories.

Founding of Mayagüez

On September 18, 1760, settlers led by Faustino and Lorenzo Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva, and Juan de Aponte established the town of Mayagüez near the Yagüez River on the island of Puerto Rico. Named Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Mayagüez, reflecting the Canarian heritage of its settlers, the town received rights of self-government in 1763.

Colonial Unrest and the Stamp Act

Political opposition to Britain's Stamp Act (1765) erupted notably in the Caribbean, especially in St. Kitts and Nevis, where violent riots targeted stamp distributors. Rioting successfully prevented stamp use in these islands. Although vocal political resistance appeared in other colonies, including Montserrat and Antigua, enforcement differed, with Barbados notably complying despite local opposition.

Port-au-Prince and Earthquakes

The city of Port-au-Prince, originally named L'Hôpital by the French in 1749, endured significant earthquakes in 1751 and again in 1770, the latter marking its establishment as the new capital of Saint-Domingue (modern Haiti).

Conclusion

The era 1756–1767 in the Eastern West Indies was characterized by intense warfare, natural disasters, and significant territorial and administrative shifts. The aftermath reshaped colonial dynamics, illustrating both the opportunities and challenges faced by European powers and local populations in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

Also in March 1793, the civil war of the Vendée against Paris starts, evoked by both the Civil Constitution of the Clergy of 1790 and the nationwide army conscription early 1793; elsewhere in France rebellion is brewing too.

A factionalist feud in the National Convention, smoldering ever since October 1791, comes to a climax with the group of the 'Girondins' being forced to resign and leave the Convention on June 2, 1793.

The counter-revolution, begun in March 1793 in the Vendée, had spread to Brittany, Normandy, Bordeaux, Marseilles, Toulon, and Lyon by July.

The Convention government of Paris between October and December 1793 manages to subdue most internal uprisings with brutal measures at the cost of tens of thousands of lives.

Some historians consider the civil war to have lasted until 1796 with a toll of possibly four hundred and fifty thousand lives.

France abolishes slavery in its American colonies in February 1794, but will later reintroduce the insititution.

A delegation sent from Saint-Domingue by Léger-Félicité Sonthonax, led by the black Bellay, is seated in the French Convention on February 3.

On the heels of a string of conquests perpetrated by the British upon the French possessions in the Lesser Antilles, and following an address from Bellay, the Convention, under the leadership of Maximilien Robespierre, abolishes slavery in law in France and its colonies in a vote without discussion.

Abbé Henri Grégoire and the Society of the Friends of the Blacks are part of the abolitionist movement, which had laid important groundwork in building antislavery sentiment in the metropole.

The first article of the law states that "Slavery is abolished" in the French colonies, while the second article states that "slave-owners will be indemnified" with financial compensation for the value of their slaves.

Napoleon reinstates slavery in the French colonies by the Law of 20 May 1802, revoking its abolition in the French Revolution.