Conclusion

The discussion in this chapter has demonstrated the importance of slavery in Mauritius just prior to abolition. The institution had already been considered essential for maintenance of the colony well before British conquest, and was recognized as such by the first British administrators, as discussed in Chapter 3 in context with the abolition of the slave trade.

The amelioration period in Mauritius is characterized by one issue in particular: persistent conflict between the local British administration and the metropolitan government. The desire of the British officials to give priority to the concerns of the Franco-Mauritian slave-holders created repeated tensions in their own rela­tionship to the Colonial Department. After general amelioration policies failed, Britain sought to intensify its efforts in this respect, since slavery conditions were considered grave as a direct result of large-scale sugar cultivation. The legal meas­ure designed to enhance the island's economic situation ultimately undermined all other regulatory efforts to improve the living conditions of the largest segment of Mauritian society, the slaves. Both the tariff equalization and the compensation provided post abolition benefitted one group: the white ruling class.