Saint Thomas (Brandenburg colony)

18.333333333333 - 64.916666666667Koordinaten: 18 ° 20 ' N, 64 ° 55 ' W consisted kurbrandenburgische The colony of St. Thomas from a leased part of belonging to Denmark Antilles island of Saint Thomas (now U.S. Virgin Islands ).

History

To ensure that the trade in slaves from its African colonies United Friedrichsburg Arguin and it was necessary for Brandenburg, to have a base in the Caribbean. To this end, joined the Marine kurbrandenburgische - General Benjamin Raule on November 24, 1685 representatives of the Danish West Indian - Guinean Company a contract for the hire of a part of since 1666 to Denmark belonging Antilles island of St. Thomas in Brandenburg.

Although the sovereignty of the island remained with the Danish king, Brandenburg but was left to land for use. In addition, a 30-year fixed-term free trade (especially for slaves ) was agreed. After that, the price of a slave was not allowed to be more than 60 dollars. For each imported slaves were given the Danes 1%, of each exported slaves 2 % of the purchase price. Should the Brandenburg have an oversupply of slaves, they would buy the Danes 100 slaves per year at a fixed price of 80 thalers. In addition, a collaboration between Brandenburgern and Danes at the " slave catcher " on the Slave coast was settled.

The Brandenburg part of St. Thomas was confiscated in 1693 without resistance and without compensation from Denmark.

With the end of the Brandenburg United Colonies Friedrichsburg and Arguin in Africa (sales in 1718 and 1721), the estate was given to St. Thomas.