French Immigration To Puerto Rico

French Immigration To Puerto Rico

The French immigration to Puerto Rico came about as a result of the economic and political situations which occurred in various places such as Louisiana (USA), Saint-Domingue (Haiti) and in Europe.

Another factor which encouraged French immigration to the island was the revival of the Royal Decree of Graces of 1815. The Spanish Crown decided that one of the ways to end the pro-independence movement in Puerto Rico was to allow Europeans who were not of Spanish origin and who swore loyalty to the Spanish Crown to settle in the island. Therefore, the decree was printed in three languages, Spanish, English and French.

The French who immigrated to Puerto Rico intermarried with the locals and settled in various places in the island. They were instrumental in the development of Puerto Rico's tobacco, cotton and sugar industries and distinguished themselves as business people, politicians and writers.

Read more about French Immigration To Puerto Rico:  Situation in Louisiana, Frenchmen in The Defense of Puerto Rico, Haitian Revolution, Situation in Europe, Royal Decree of Graces of 1815, French Influence in Vieques, French Influence in Puerto Rican and Popular Culture, Surnames

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