mauritius french period 6

Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to political power started in 1799 in France. However, Isle de France continued to be independent until 1803. During that year, General Decaen was appointed Captain General to the island. Restoration in Isle de France was welcomed as the revolutionary years had failed to bring prosperity to the island. Furthermore Napoleon had decided to re-establish the laws of before 1789. A decree issued in 1803 permitted the continuation of slave trade and the principle of equality was ignored under this new regime. In fact under Decaen, slave trade reached a peak never reached before during the history of the island.

The Colonial Assembly, district and municipal councils and the National Guard were all abolished by Decaen. In fact, in many ways the government reverted to a system little different from the ‘Ancient Regime’ before the revolution.

One of the first measures taken under Decaën was to rename Port Louis, Port Napoleon in 1804. He also had a scheme to reconstruct Port Louis and turn it into a fortified town as well as develop the harbour. He also founded Mahébourg which he later renamed Port Imperial. And although he did not intend to use it as a port, he was convinced that it could have its utility in times of war.

Decaën also introduced new laws, which were the Napoleonic Codes, adapted to the needs of the Mascarene Islands. These were called the Code Decaën, which has remained the basis of the Island’s legal system. In the field of education, the Central School was opened. It was later renamed the Lycee Colonial and was expected to turn out potential officers for the legion as well as civilian with sound general education.

The social life on the island was transformed under Decaen. It in fact surpassed the times of Governor Souillac. This was mainly due to his beautiful wife who was a great hostess at the many social functions that were regularly organised on the island. It became customary to organise a ball at each of Napoleon’s victories.

Such a flowering social life was possible only because of a revival in economic activity and prosperity. Under Napoleonic rule, the cultivation of sugar cane increased and privateering brought in more wealth.

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The Napoleonic Period (1803-1810)