The French in the Caribbean — Explanation Information The French came from France, a country in Europe. France became involved in the Caribbean for several reasons. The French wanted to expand trade, gain wealth, obtain resources, establish colonies, and control territory and important trade routes. A colony is a territory that is controlled by another country. The French established colonies and settlements in several parts of the Caribbean. French territories and colonies in the Caribbean included Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti), Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. The French became involved in plantation agriculture in their Caribbean colonies. Plantations produced crops and goods that could be traded for wealth. French influence can still be seen in parts of the Caribbean today. This influence includes language, culture, food, architecture, customs, plantation traditions, and French and Creole cultural traditions. Key information: Where did they come from? France, Europe. Why did they come? Trade, wealth, resources, establishing colonies, and control of territory and trade routes. Where did they establish colonies? Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti), Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy. What did they bring/influence? Language, culture, food, architecture, customs, plantation agriculture, and French/Creole traditions.