CLM Sugar cane processing
06 mai 2023In eighth grade, and according to their History classes program, the students worked on colonization and on the introduction of the sugar industry in Guadeloupe. In the 17th century, from 1654, sugar became Guadelope's main production. The small properties were transformed into huge cane plantations. This period has been called the "sugar revolution". This culture required a large workforce and has favored the development of slavery. The Economy of Guadeloupe became totally dependent on the cultivation of sugar cane and the number of sugar factories increased from 111 to 278. Besides, Guadeloupe became a real slave economy estate. The abolition of slavery in 1848 did not mean the end of the sugar cane plantations. Bank loans were granted to owners to pay employees. Nowaday, sugar and rum production remain essential for the economy of Guadeloupe. The exportation of sugar cane products are quite important. The students worked on historical documents to learn about the development of the sugar industry. They acquired knowledge on slavery, the triangular trade, and slaves daily life in the plantations. The question of resistance to slavery and its abolition was also dealt with. They produced slideshows on this theme. Finally, an end-of-year outing was organized on the isle of Marie-Galante. They were able to visit a distillery still in operation (They were able to discover the process of making Rum, the history of the distillery and visit an exhibition on steam engines) and an old habitation, the Murat habitation, which was one of the largest sugar cane plantation of the 19th century in Marie Galante. They were able to see the old windmill, the castle and the old kitchens.