The History of Seychelles

Although the French were the first to start settlement on these uninhabited islands, the Arab traders were probably the first to have spotted them. Later on during the 16th century the islands were frequented and some were even named by the Portuguese.
In 1742 the French took possession of Seychelles, and they landed on Ste Anne Island to start permanent settlement in 1770. They ruled Seychelles for 40 years.

In 1771, a year after settling in, Pierre Poivre started the first plantation industry in Seychelles with a view to compete with the Dutch in the European spice trade. During that period Seychelles was also being used as a transit point for slaves from Africa, India, Madagascar and other countries. A few were retained here to work for their masters. The geographical location of Seychelles also made it ideal for both the French adn the British during their respective reign of the islands to send all those who they wanted to get rid off for various reasons (Isolation, punishment). To name just a few the Dauphin of France, Louis XVII, son of Louis XVI, King Prempeh of Ghana, the archbishop Makarios of Cyprus (later upon his return to his country became the President of Cyprus).

From 1794 and for the next thirteen years which followed, the islands changed hands seven times between the French and the British. In 1811 after a series of sea battles Seychelles was occupied by the British.

In 1814 the Treaty of Paris rendered both Seychelles and Mauritius formally British. A year later this cession was sanctioned and the Seychelles became under the dependence of Mauritius.

In 1903 it became a separate British crown colony.

In 1835 Seychelles saw the abolishment of slavery and 1853 the establishment of the Roman catholic church, two important events in the history of Seychelles.

1976- the birth of the first republic. Seychelles got its independence and stayed with the British Commonwealth of Nations.

In 1979 a constitution established a one party regime (the second Republic) until 1992 when multi-parties were legalised again.

In 1993 a constitution established the third Republic