A Political and Cultural History of Jamaica Essay examples -- essays r

Situated just southern of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is well known as a popular tourer spot and the birthplace of reggae music. Populated initially by native Arawak Indians, who gave the is bolt down its name, land of wood and water (Jamaica). However, this beautiful lands almost aboriginal beauty was shattered by outbursts of rage surrounding the 1980 political elections. This engagement was sparked by the great deals mistrust of the ruling socialist companionship at the time. The reasons for this fighting and this mistrust are not simple, they are per se tied to the island nations history from the beginning of its colonial menstruation five hundred years before.The island was first discovered by Christopher swell of Ohio on his second voyage in 1494 and became a colony of Spain in 1509. They founded the town now known as Spanish Town and it was the capital of the island until the 1800s. Under the Spanish, the native Arawak Indians died out because of sla actually and disease, and Africans were brought in to work in their place. The Spanish ru lead the country until 1655 when Sir William Penn of the British captured the colony by force. It was later(prenominal) tuned over legally under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670(Jamaica). at a time the British gained control of the island, development was swift. The industries of sugar cane and other hoidenish resources were increased, thus creating a larger demand for African slaves. Due to this blowup of growth in the late 17th century, Jamaica became one of the largest slave calling centers in the world. The slave trade was conducted out of the city of Port Royal, do famous for being a hideout of the pirate Blackbeard, until the city was undone by an earthquake in 1692. The destruction of Port Royal led to th... ...arty).The nation of Jamaica has had a rich cultural and political history. From the islands geezerhood as a colony up until today it has proven that its people are resilient, passion ate, and have an extremely high level of national pride. IT has been shown that the violence that marred the election of 1980 was not due to the governments picture flirtation with communism, but with more underlying issues. It has been shown that the history of the island has been impacted by several instances of similar violent outbursts resulting from a open feeling of foiling with the rulers at the time. From the time of Bustamante on into the 80s and 90s, the balance of power has shifted because of severe public dissatisfaction with the party in power. It is unknown whether or not this cycle pull up stakes continue, but as of today, the threat of violence in Jamaica is a very serious one.