The Cedula Population of 1783, also referred to as the Cedula of Population in 1783, had a significant impact on Trinidad’s social and economic growth. Its primary objective was to attract immigrants to the island, ultimately leading to its colonization at the end of the 18th century. This crucial document was issued based on advice from Phillip Rose Roume de Saint-Laurent, a French planter. Saint-Laurent came from an aristocratic French family known for their contributions in building the French empire in Louisiana and the Caribbean. During his visit to Trinidad, he not only bought land in Diego Martin but also encouraged other French families and freed slaves from Grenada to relocate there. Furthermore, Saint-Laurent traveled to Spain where he appealed to the King for permission to allow colonists and other free individuals entry into Trinidad without restrictions.
The Spanish Government quickly issued the Cedula of Population on November 24, 1783, granting land and other incentives to the colonists under specific conditions. These conditions included allocating ten (10) quares of land to each white individual, with an additional half of that amount for each negro slave imported. Free negroes or mulattoes who settled “as an inhabitant and head of a family” received half the amount of land allotted to white settlers. However, only individuals who were Roman Catholic were eligible for the land, resulting in a majority of French settlers. The Cedula caused a rapid transformation of Trinidad into a colonized island.
Population in Trinidad saw a significant increase from 2,700 in 1783 to 17,800 in 1789, with around 10,000 being African slaves who were brought in large numbers due to the Cedula offering land for each slave owned. The prevalent language spoken became a French or French based patois, which continues to influence the current culture of Trinidad. Additionally, in 1789, many French families fled France and its colonies, seeking refuge in Trinidad alongside their compatriots, made possible by the Cedula of Population.
The British Conquest
After winning the battle, the British focused on enhancing the island’s defenses against potential attacks. They constructed Fort Picton (named after the governor) and Fort George (named after the King of England) atop hills overlooking the Gulf of Paria. However, these forts were not involved in any military engagements. The early 19th century posed challenges for the newly acquired British colony. A stroke of luck occurred when a massive fire destroyed Port of Spain in 1808. This enabled Governor Sir Ralph Woodford to have complete control over planning the reconstruction of the capital city. Woodford also continued Governor Chacon’s efforts to develop Trinidad’s interior regions. The 1830s marked a significant era in Trinidad’s history with slavery being abolished through legislation passed by the British Parliament, effective from August 1, 1834. Plantation owners who relied on cheap labor were displeased with this decision. The British government mandated former slaves to undergo an apprenticeship period: four years for domestic slaves and six years for those working in fields. The ex-slaves regarded this arrangement as a type of “false freedom” and expressed dissatisfaction.
In 1838, the Governor of the island declared the emancipation of slaves amidst pressure to release all slaves at once. The Council of Government, consisting mainly of planters, then appointed an Immigration Agent to seek new sources of labor after the abolition of slave labor. Attempts were made with various groups such as Portuguese, free Africans from Africa, and Americans but proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, attention shifted towards Asia where satisfactory workers were eventually found.
The first group of Indians arrived on May 30th, 1845 aboard the Fatel Rozak. Although more Indians followed suit later on, emigration to Trinidad was prohibited by the Indian government due to a significant population increase. Between 1848 and 1866, Chinese immigrants were brought in while Indian immigration was temporarily halted.
Over time, the Chinese community formed a small close-knit group characterized by intelligent entrepreneurs; however, their success did not meet initial expectations. Consequently in 1866, Chinese immigration ceased coinciding with the resumption of Indian immigration.
In the 19th century, non-whites in colonial rule realized their lack of power, prompting a London commission to investigate in 1888. However, it was not until 1925 that the first election with limited participation occurred. Prior to this, Tobago’s economic collapse in 1884 led to its dependency on Trinidad and the establishment of the unitary state of Trinidad and Tobago.
The early 20th century witnessed turmoil due to new taxes on water, sparking the Water Riots of 1903 which resulted in the burning of the Red House. Additionally, south Trinidad saw its first oil well drilled in 1857, greatly impacting its history. Although the oil industry did not flourish until 1910, by 1936 Trinidad became the leading oil producer within the British Empire. This focus on oil caused neglect in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, causing a sharp decline. Furthermore, it gave rise to a new class of workers for this industry and ultimately convinced Britain that elected representation should be allowed through the Oil Field Riots of 1937 and militant nationalism.
The start of the Second World War caused a temporary postponement, but the post war labour government showed sympathy towards the cause. In 1946, the first adult suffrage election was held, albeit with limited democratic rights. This election marked the initial step towards independence. In 1956, a completely nationalist party named the PNM, led by Dr. Eric Williams, was formed. They secured 13 out of 24 seats, becoming the first Party Government. Furthermore, they established a West Indian federation during the later years of the 1950’s with Trinidad as the designated Federal capital. However, the Federation collapsed in May 1961. With national elections in 1961, the PNM won 20 out of 30 seats and pursued full independence on August 31st, 1962, officially becoming an independent nation. The PNM maintained power for three decades and finally severed the country’s remaining ties with Britain on August 1st, 1976, declaring Trinidad and Tobago as a Republic.
