Caribbean history themes

About this book

This volume provides an in-depth analysis of the history of the region beginning with the migration of the first people into the American continent and continues to the ending of slavery. It examines the migratory and settlement patterns of the indigenous peoples in the Caribbean and neighbouring territories, their socio- political structures, cultural and religious practices, trade and technology. It looks at interaction among the indigenous peoples; indigenous art forms and correlates these to their beliefs and technology up until the arrival of the Europeans. It examines the motives for Columbus*s voyages and assesses the results of these voyages; the enslavement of the indigenous people and their interaction with European cultures. The text traces the origin of slavery and reasons for its extension in the Caribbean. It describes the structure of the African slave trade, the experiences of its victims and its impact on West African societies. It also evaluates the effects of slave labor on plantation economies. It details the organization of a typical plantation, its production methods, social relations and the transmission of African cultural forms in the Caribbean. This volume also identifies and compares the various forms of slave control, slave resistance and revolts on assesses its impact on the emancipation process. It examines the actions taken by slaves to free themselves and compares the factors contributing to the success of the abolition movement. It looks at the role of interest groups, attitudes and arguments pertaining to African slavery, abolition, the amelioration policies and analyzes the terms of the abolition Act. This text also examines the state of the economy in the different territories and official attitudes and policies towards the laboring classes and the demands of a free society. It assesses the role of the church in the establishment of free villages and an independent peasantry and its implications for plantation labour. It accounts for the introduction of immigration schemes and its impact on the sugar industry.