Reação francesa às ameaças de Cabanos e Bonis no território litigioso do Amapá (1836-1841)

Abstract

This article will analyze an historical episode that occurred between 1836
and 1841 during the French occupation of the disputed territory located between
Brazil and French Guiana. I intend to consider two regional factors that influenced the
decision of both the Cayenne Government and the metropolitan government to build
military forts in the region. Such factors are the Cabanagem and the attempts of black
Bonis to settle in Lower Oiapoque. I will go on to show that the French withdrawal
from Amapá Lake in 1840, but not from the post on the right bank of the Oiapoque
River, was due not only to international and diplomatic factors but also had regional
causes. Notwithstanding the French government's interests in expanding the territory
of its South American colony, I want to draw attention to the threats - real or
fictitious - of Cabanos, from Brazil, and black Bonis, from Dutch Guiana