Jamaica HistoryJamaica History is somewhat complex because the great changes experimented by the Island Nation since Pre Columbus times until now. Jamaica is located south of the Island of Cuba and is the third largest of the four Greater Antilles after Cuba and Hispaniola, which is divided between Haiti and the Republica Dominicana. The fourth is Puerto Rico. It is the third largest English Speaking country in America after Canada and the USA.
Search our site and the web
Jamaica History - Jamaica Sugar Plantation in times of slavery
Pre Columbus History Before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1494 to Jamaica beaches, it was inhabited by the Arawaks. They made a living haunting, fishing and cultivating the Cassava. The indigenous population was almost extinct in about 80 years, due mostly by diseases and migration. Therefore there is no significant influence of the Arawaks’ presence on the island in the following years. Spanish Occupation Used to finding gold and silver in Mexico and other American countries, the Spaniards were disappointed with the lack of the precious metals in Jamaica, the number of occupiers was never large. The product was mainly dedicated to supply the Spanish ships and for local consumption. The town called today Spanish Town was formerly known as Santiago de la Vega was the main area of concentration of the Spanish occupiers. English Occupation In 1655 after failing to conquer the Island of Hispaniola the British expedition led by Admirals Venables and Penn, captured Jamaica. The island was of little importance to the Spanish conquerors and therefore it was a quick act by the British with very little defense from the Spaniards. Apart from some buildings there is very little left of the Spanish occupation on the island before they it became part of the British Territories in the Caribbean.
Jamaica Picture of the Arawak Indians who are part of Jamaica History
Slaves Period 1655-1838 The British decided to develop the economy by importing slaves from Africa in large scale. With help of slave labor the island developed a great prosperity mainly in the sugar plantations providing wealth to the plantations owners in general and the English Crown in particular. Because of the constant trade of manufacturers good from Europe and Sugar from Jamaica, many English cities like Bristol and Liverpool prospered enormously. The plantations life continued to develop at a fast pace and was the center of the economy. The government supported the slave trade and all land arrangements for the plantations. Nowadays you can visit some of these impressive landmarks that are beautifully refurbished and ready for the tourists to visit. Because of the reduction in sugar commerce due to high productions costs, the slaves were emancipated in 1838 and the plantations had to start paying wages to its workers. One of Jamaica’s national heroes is Rev. Sam Sharp for his role in the Christmas rebellion of slaves a few years before emancipation.
Sugar Cane production by slavery work
Post slavery period In the following one hundred years approximately, the former slaves started to create small communities on pieces of land near the plantations and some even on the hills far from them. Since the sugar kept going down in importance they cultivated coffee, log wood, bananas and others. This period was characterized by constant struggle among farmers always based on land disputes. Decolonization period
Great Jamaican leaders and heroes like Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley combined efforts securing Independence from England. In 1944 they got some kind of Self-government. In those year previous to 1962’s Independence Jamaica saw great changes from the political and economical views. The economy diversified around production of sugar, bananas and other agricultural products and the mining of Bauxite and Alumina. The Tourism Industry started to develop. The Jamaicans knew that their very first treasure is the beauty of the Jamaica Beaches, mountains accompanied by a warm climate year round.
Old Plantations are an integral part of Jamaica History
Independence Period In 1962 Jamaica was granted independence. They were first offered to become part of the West Indies Federation but by popular vote the offer was rejected. They were given a constitution and a Governor General as a representative of the British Crown. A bicameral legislature operates with a Senate and a House of representatives and the government is headed by a Prime Minister that by law is required to consult the Governor General and the Leader of Opposition on certain issues. The rest is contemporary history that belongs to another page.I don’t consider myself a connoisseur of Jamaica History. Here I gave you a brief summary of what I know and some research done. I was born in Cuba and Jamaica as a close neighbor always had influence in Cuban life. Jamaica is the cradle of All Inclusive Vacations and one of the world leaders in tourism. Cities like Montego Bay or Ocho Rios attract thousands of tourists arriving by air or with the many Top Cruise Lines serving the Western Caribbean Islands. In many of the world’s Tourist Trade Shows, Jamaican Resorts are always the leaders. Bravo for such a great country and so great people, after all here you'll find your Best Beach Vacations.
 Custom Search From Jamaica History go to Jamaica Vacations
|
