Mauritius history
16th century
The Portuguese drop anchor in 1502. One of their names for the island is Cisne ("swan") but no one is quite sure whether this refers to the dodo or was taken from one of their own ships. They do not settle. The Dutch visit in 1598 and take possession in order to keep everybody else out.
18th century
The French assume control in 1715 and change the name to Ile de France. Six years later their first colonists arrive. Slaves are brought in to work the sugar plantations and to man naval vessels. Mahe de La Bourdonnais, Governor from 1735 to 1747, establishes the first sugar factory.
20th century
During World War II, Mauritius is a British naval and air base. In 1968, the island becomes an independent member of the British Commonwealth, and a Republic in 1992.
