Clipperton Island: Mexico's Forgotten Murder Colony
Geographics・2 minutes read
Clipperton Island's history includes colonization attempts, disputes between nations, and a tragic colony filled with suffering and abuse that ended in 1917. The survivors were eventually rescued by a US gunship, and the island was reclaimed by France in the early 1930s.
Insights
- The history of Clipperton Island is marked by colonization attempts driven by the exploitation of resources, particularly guano, leading to conflicts between various nations and individuals seeking to profit from the island's resources.
- The tragic tale of the Clipperton colony showcases the devastating impact of isolation and lack of resources, culminating in a brutal regime under Victoriano Álvarez, which was eventually ended by Tirza Randon's act of killing him in 1917, marking the end of the colony's existence.
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Recent questions
What historical events occurred on Clipperton Island?
Various nations claimed the island, leading to conflicts and colonization attempts.
Who were some key figures involved in Clipperton Island's history?
John Clipperton, Alexander von Humboldt, Porfirio Diaz, and Ramón Arnaud played significant roles.
What led to the downfall of the Clipperton colony?
Lack of supply ships, scurvy, and a cruel regime caused suffering and tragedy.
How did the Clipperton colony come to an end?
Tirza Randon killed Álvarez, ending his reign of terror, and survivors were rescued.
Who eventually reclaimed Clipperton Island?
France reclaimed the island in 1930 or 1931 after the colony's demise.
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Summary
00:00
Clipperton Island: A History of Conflict and Colonization
- Clipperton Island, an uninhabited atoll in the Pacific Ocean, was home to a strange and cruel kingdom a century ago.
- Over the centuries, Clipperton Island has been visited by pirates, empires, and individuals seeking to profit from bird poop.
- John Clipperton, an English pirate, briefly inhabited the island in the early 18th century.
- Alexander von Humboldt's discovery of guano on the island in 1804 sparked interest in it due to its agricultural benefits.
- The Guano Islands Act of 1856 in the US led to a rush for guano-rich islands, including Clipperton.
- In 1858, Napoleon III of France claimed Clipperton Island, leading to disputes with Mexico and the US.
- Porfirio Diaz, a Mexican dictator, annexed Clipperton in 1897, leading to conflicts with Britain, France, and the US.
- The British briefly colonized Clipperton in the early 20th century but abandoned it due to high transportation costs.
- In 1910, Porfirio Diaz sent 100 Mexicans to colonize Clipperton, including Ramón Arnaud, Alicia Rovira Arnaud, Tirza Randon, and Victoriano Álvarez.
- The Mexican Revolution, starting in 1910, eventually reached Clipperton, impacting the isolated colony.
13:01
Tragedy and Triumph on Clipperton Island
- In 1914, the United States invaded Veracruz, Mexico, leading to Huerta fleeing into exile ahead of Pancho Villa's army.
- Clipperton Island was forgotten amidst Mexico's turmoil, with the last supply ship leaving in spring and not returning.
- Governor Ramón Arnaud realized the island was cut off when the supply ship didn't return, but he declined evacuation in late summer 1914.
- By 1915, the lack of supply ships led to scurvy among the colonists, causing death and suffering.
- In early 1916, Arnaud attempted to chase a passing ship for help, but the boat capsized, leading to further tragedy.
- A storm in 1916 devastated Clipperton, leaving only a few survivors, including Victoriano Álvarez, who declared himself king.
- Álvarez subjected the women to abuse and established a cruel regime on the island, causing immense suffering.
- In July 1917, Tirza Randon killed Álvarez, ending his reign of terror, and the survivors were rescued by a US gunship.
- The Clipperton colony officially ended in July 1917, with only a few survivors left, and the island was eventually reclaimed by France in 1930 or 1931.
