Decolonization and Independance

There were many successes during British rule during the 1800’s. However, food supplies and a constant threat from French and Spanish invasion lowered Jamaica’s production efficiency. A major internal conflict included the maroon wars (18^th century). This was a period of time where escaped slaves sought to destroy estates and British burning towns. Political instability also weakened Great Britain’s rule over Jamaica. After years of struggle, internal factors lead to the independence of Jamaica.

            The 18^th Century became known as the Maroon Wars. Many warriors, a part of the maroons, wanted to take back land from the British, and completely evoke them from “their” island.  In the end, the British and the maroons had terrible losses. “After the fighting ceased, the government deported some 600 Maroons to Nova Scotia.”(15) This showed that the British still had majority of the power. A reverend black leader by the name of Samuel Sharp was killed after protesting British rule. The effects when the British killed this man were severe. (16)Maroons burned towns and destroyed many churches. However “British troops quickly put down the rebellion and executed its organizers. (17) Tensions between the maroons and British solders were taught until the British parliament finally abolishes the slave trade.

            After the joyous decision to abolish the slave trade, every plantation owner attitude sank into the ground. With no more flow of slaves into Jamaica, the price of labor skyrocketed. The prices of sugar in Jamaica were already dropping at the time as well (18). Along with the abolishment of slavery, British parliament also emancipated all slaves. Many freed slaves went to go live in the hills and start their own small farms. “Parliament removed protective tariffs in 1846, further reducing the price of Jamaican sugar.” (19).

            Jamaican legislature and British rule had many disputes after the emancipation of the slaves. “In 1866 Parliament declared the island a crown colony” (19) Reorganization started to settle in after years of conflict. There were advantages of being a crown colony. ”Under the Crown Colony system, the nominal government was consisted of the legislative council and the executive Privy Council members of both chambers of the House of Assembly.” (20) Sir John Peter Grant, the newly appointed governor completely reorganized how Jamaica was run. “Establishing a police force, a reformed the judicial system, medical service, a public works department, and a government savings bank. He also appointed local magistrates, improved the schools, and irrigated the fertile but drought-stricken plain between Spanish Town and Kingston.” (21). In 1940 however, a violent earthquake struck Kingston, the capital, destroying almost all its buildings. (22) The entire economy was crippled by this unfortunate event; and, unemployment rates were already very low. Because of these happenings, Jamaicans formed their first labor unions and parties. “In the elections of 1944and 1949, the Jamaican labor party secured a majority of votes. In the elections of 1955 and 1959, the Peoples National Party (23) gained control. In 1962, and 1967, it was back to the JLP, then in the PNP won in 1972 and ’76.” (24). Finally in 1962, Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain.          

            After endless hardships and troubles, Jamaica worked its way through slavery, earthquakes, and political tensions. Everything resulted in independence. Its safe to say that the Maroon rebels kick started the process of decolonization in Jamaica. From the rebellions came political struggles that weakened British rule. Ultimately, the emancipation of African slaves greatly helped Jamaicans gain power of their own country. To top everything off, Jamaica gained independence after hundreds of years of occupancy.