In the early 17th century, European powers were engaged in fierce competition for dominance over the Caribbean islands. The French West India Company was founded to promote French interests in the region, particularly against the backdrop of Spanish and English colonial expansion. On June 28, 1635, a fleet under the command of Charles de la Roche landed on Guadeloupe, claiming the island for France. This momentous event laid the groundwork for the establishment of a formalized French colony. The exploration was notable for its effective use of military resources to secure the island, which was lush with natural riches that would attract settlers and resources alike.

Following its claim, Guadeloupe would soon become a primary site for sugar plantation development, leveraging the island’s fertile lands. The French established settlements that led to the importation of enslaved Africans to work the plantations, which became the economic backbone of the colony. This colonial assertion was met with resistance from the Indigenous populations and would set the stage for various conflicts and power struggles in the region over subsequent years.

French colonization efforts were not solely focused on Guadeloupe; they also included nearby islands, thereby creating an extensive network of colonial interests in the Caribbean. These developments would ultimately influence trade routes and colonial policies across the Atlantic, allowing France to become a major player in Caribbean affairs. The colony would grow and evolve into a significant territory within the French Empire, contributing to both its economic prosperity and geopolitical ambitions in the area.