Although the beauty of Jamaica can be considered extreme, it is the long colorful history that makes it worth visiting. Arawak natives once inhabited this island and although it has experienced its times of hardship, it is these historical events that has made Jamaica into the carefree and vibrant location that it is today.
The Claim of Spain
When Christopher Columbus arrived on this island, he must have thought he truly found paradise. Although he immediately claimed it for Spain, it wasn’t until after his death that the area was officially colonized. It was shortly after his death that Arawaks also began to decrease significantly in numbers.
Spanish settlers made their homes in Villa de la Vega, which is now known as Spanish Town, located in Middlesex county. By the 1640s, Jamaica had an extensive reputation and even pirates were making frequent visits there. In fact, due to the many pirate attacks, the island ended up belonging to the English.
The British Take Over
By the time the British troops took over Jamaica, there were no Arawaks left on the island. Under English rule, the island was a haven for a while to buccaneers, privateers and pirates like Henry Morgan. In 1959, Port Royal was built up with houses, warehouses and shops but after an earthquake shook the area in 1692, Spanish Town once again became the primary place of settlement.
1678 brought the first mentioning of slavery as Jamaica became an important place of trade due to sugar cane and coffee cultivation by African slaves. Interestingly, the slaves in Jamaica outnumbered their masters 20:1 and in 1760, Tacky’s War occurred. This is known as the Caribbean’s most significant slave rebellion until 1790 when the Haitian Revolution took place.
Tacky was the leader of this 1760 rebellion. Prior to being enslaved, he was once a chief and a born leader. On Easter morning, Tacky and his supporters killed white plantation owners across the island.
Escaped slaves, referred to as Maroons, fled to the mountainous areas and formed independent communities. In the 1790s, after the second Maroon War, many were expelled and traveled to Sierra Leone to create a creole community. Other Maroons were enlisted by the government to capture plantation slaves who had escaped.
At the end of 1831, the Baptist War broke out, another large slave revolt. Due to this, slavery was abolished however, current slaves were still bound to their owners until 1838.
1866 was a huge turning point for Jamaica. A crown colony was formed and islanders were given the right to elect some members of the legislative council.
Jamaica Gains Independence
In 1938, The People’s National Party was founded and the island started to gain political control. By August 6th, 1902, Jamaica had gained their independence but remained part of the Common Wealth of Nations, an intergovernmental organization that included 54 member states. Through the years, power swaps have occurred back and forth between the Jamaican Labour Party and the People’s National Party.
By the 20th century, a lot of Jamaicans went to work in the cane and banana fields in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Many started migrating to the United Kingdom in the 1950s but after they restricted this in 1962, Canada and the United States became targeted locations, especially Miami and New York.
Even though Jamaica has its independence, the island has still continued to experience tragedy. Elections in 1980 resulted in violent protests that brought hundreds of deaths and then in 1988, the island was destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert.
It is easy to understand why Jamaicans live life to the fullest today. They appreciate every new day and celebrate the smallest things because they take nothing for granted and cherish everything.