GROUP ASSIGNMENT

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS

TDP (FT) 2016- 2018

With reference to a chosen place in either Mauritius or Rodrigues

discuss how geographical and historical factors have influenced
its settlement.

Contents
Reason for settlement........................................................................................ 2
Geographical factors influencing settlement.........................................................2
Historical place between the 18th- 19th century.....................................................3
Evolution of Mahebourg......................................................................................... 4
Conclusion............................................................................................................. 5
References............................................................................................................. 6

Reason for settlement

A settlement occurs when people move to live in a place and it can vary in shapes and sizes
as well as being either temporary or permanent. The function of a settlement can be deduced
based on its:

site land upon which it is built.

situation location in relation to surrounding human and physical features.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS
TDP (FT) 2016- 2018

(Congo Basin Settlement, Nomadic Turkmen Family Settlement, Vintage Mahebourg, Mayan Civilisation Vestige of
Palenque,
Mexico;
Google
Images)

Before setting up a base, settlers need to take numerous factors into consideration. When
taking the physical factors in view, they need to look at the accessibility to close water points
and the risks of natural calamities. They need an overview sight of area for defence and
shelter and readiness of resources, e.g. food, wood and routes.
History has proved that many settlements were motives of war and also for survival, as a
result of freedom. The reach to other grounds provide settlers a total freedom to start anew, to
cultivate crops, to practice their religion and also to be financially stable.

Geographical factors influencing settlement

Geographical factors are concerned about the natural features and phenomena of the surface
and our interaction with them. They include vegetation, climate, and the water supply and
land formations. Geography does not only determine whether humans can live in a certain
area or not, but it also determines peoples lifestyles, as they adapt to the available food and
climate patterns.
The four main geographical factors which influence settlement are:

Climate
Soil
Land formation
Water and food availability

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS
TDP (FT) 2016- 2018

People prefer to live in hospitable places. If any area is fertile, people will naturally settle
there. The preferred regions are where the climate is not cold or too muggy and where the
weather is suitable for cultivations of crops. Mountainous or deserted regions are less likely
to attract settlement because of the difficulties to rear animals, obtain food and water, and
dangerous living area.

Historical place between the 18th- 19th century

(Mahebourg, Google Images)

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS
TDP (FT) 2016- 2018

The Dutch originally constructed Mahebourg which was near their landing port and had
ample water supply from many rivers and streams with a scenic view of the large bay
area. They developed their settlement near the port because further inland cultivation was
difficult as the island was covered with thick dense forests and there was a lack of man
power.
Later on, the region was founded in 1805 by the General Charles Decaen and was hereafter
named in honors of successful colonial leader, Mahe De Labourdonnais. Under the
Napoleonic Era, Mahebourg was called Port Imperial and under the conquest of the British
rule, the village gained back its former name Mahebourg. It witnessed the epic naval battle in
1810 between commanders Willoughby and Duperre; they were nursed after being seriously
wounded in the battle in the now called Mauritius National History Museum. This famous
naval battle of Vieux-Grand Port marked a turning point in the colonial history of
Mahebourg.
Under the governorship of General Decaen, Mahebourg rapidly expanded. Long ago, the
region was a military post where the place was well-fortified with new ammunitions
protecting against any foreign attacks. The well-planned wide streets in the old section of
Mahebourg still bear the testimony of the French colonial past and many reasons had been
pointed out why the French headquarters at Vieux Grand Port had been transferred to Port
Louis. The main reason being that the south east trade winds prevented the ships from leaving
the harbour.

Evolution of Mahebourg

(Antique Canon, Pointe des Regates, National History Musuem, Antique Steam Engine,Mahebourg; Google Images)

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS
TDP (FT) 2016- 2018

The most eloquent changes that occurred were within

Multiple historical and religious sites were built and restored, such as:

the

infrastructure.

1. There was the turning of the Gheude Castle (1770).

2. The Mauritius National History Museum of Mauritius.
3. Notre Dame des Anges.
Mahebourg, a rural area, has had several recreational and leisure development, with several
hotels, motels, casinos and commercial centers. The beach has been converted to a beautiful
waterfront- a popular place for evening strolls. Moreover, we can enjoy the local markets
near the District Court. We can also find the amphitheater which was once a Dutch settlement
therefore offering various sightseeing spots and a museum. It is now a great location for local
artists to perform.
One key historical feature of Mahebourg is the Cavendish Bridge, which was built in 1908. It
was among the first concrete bridges to be built entirely in concrete; replacing the former
Higginson Bridge, made of wood. The latter was laid for the transportation of sugar in horsedrawn carts to Mahebourg. The Cavendish Bridge today is still important as it eases the
access to Mahebourg.

Conclusion
Mahebourg was the first region of settlement of the island because of its several advantages.
Since then the other settlers have seen its importance even though the development of Port
louis. Even today this place still has high significance for Mauritians, as a reminder of its
history, and the areas progression is still going on.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT
HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS
TDP (FT) 2016- 2018

References
1.
2.
3.
4.

2014 Indian Ocean, WEB Companies

Internet Geography 2010
Merthelot Lilianm Mahebourg, ville virtuelle: la capitale dantan, EOI, 2000
History of Mauritius, The French Occupation- http://www.know-britain.com/
National History Museum of Mauritius- http://www.mauritius-holidays-discovery.com/
5. Mahebourg Mauritus- http://mahebourgmauritius.blogspot.com/
6. VirtualTourist 1994-2016, VirtualTourist.com, Inc
7. http://www.mauritius-holidays-discovery.com/museum-of-mauritius.html
8. http://www.haroldetmaryse.com/a-voir/mahebourg/le-marche-de-mahebourg/
9. http://vintagemauritius.org/discover/the-cavendish-bridge-mahebourg/
10. http://www.lemauricien.com/article/cavendish-bridge-mahbourg-centenaire-sareconstruction-clbr