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The French had a settlement in Bourbon island (now known as Réunion). Strong winds made
the port of Bourbon unsafe for sailors. Pirates, using Mauritius as a base, attacked their
ships. Ships from other countries also used Mauritius as a stop-over.
In 1715 the French decided to take possession of Mauritius so as to:
• carry on their trade safely in the Indian Ocean.
• defend themselves against pirates and enemy ships.
• use the island as a stop-over for their sailors on their way to India and the East, and back.
They named the island Ile de France.
1. In which year did the French take possession of Mauritius?
2. What name did they give to the island?
3. State two reasons why the French took possession of the island after the Dutch had left.
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4. Which island in the Indian Ocean was known as Bourbon island?
Bourbon
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map 2 Map showing Bourbon island
ACTIVITY 2.1
2.1 THE FRENCH OCCUPATION