History of the Chagos Islands

The history of the Chagos Islands, specifically Diego Garcia, reveals a complex colonial past. Originally owned by the French, the islands faced significant upheaval when Britain took over during the Napoleonic Wars, bringing in a population of African slaves to work on coconut farms. Following the abolition of slavery, these individuals formed their own community on the islands, living in isolation from other territories. In 1965, as Mauritius moved towards independence, Britain detached the Chagos Islands, subsequently leasing Diego Garcia to the United States for military purposes, leading to the forced removal of the indigenous population in order to establish a naval base.