Saint Barthélemy status referendum, 1877
This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Saint-Barthélemy |
A referendum on integration into France was held in Saint Barthélemy in late October 1877.[1] The island was owned by Sweden at the time, but following the referendum in which only one person voted against the proposal, it was taken over by France the following year.[1]
Background
The island had belonged to France until 1784, when it was transferred to Sweden in return for trade privileges in Gothenburg.[1] However, the island proved expensive for Sweden to maintain.[1] An agreement was made on 10 August 1877 on returning the island to French control,[2] the first article of which included the requirement of a binding referendum.[1]
Results
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
For | 350 | 99.71 |
Against | 1 | 0.29 |
Invalid/blank votes | – | |
Total | 351 | 100 |
Aftermath
The results were announced on 31 October 1877.[1] Subsequently the French National Assembly approved the treaty on 22 January 1878.[1] On 16 March 1878 the island became part of the jurisdiction of Guadeloupe.[1]