Jamaica History

Jamaica History: The very short version for those who want to enjoy their vacation but like to understand a little of the history and culture of the places they visit!

Before 1494: Pre-Colombian Times:

There were simple little communities, inhabited by the Arawaks, that had a wonderful culture consisting of hunting and fishing. This was before Columbus made his presence known in 1494, as Jamaica history changes at that point.

Once the Spanish came, the impact was extremely traumatic and the way of life for the Arawaks changed. Within 80 years, their small communities vanished.

If it were not for the very few Arawak artifacts that are now housed in a White Marl museum, no one would even know that the Arawaks ever had an influence on the island.

Once it was discovered that there was an absence of gold within Jamaica, the Spanish used the land as a place for supporting the efforts of the conquest of Mexico.

Even including the slave population, the Spanish settlement never grew to a large number. There are many original buildings from the time when the Spanish had their administration in what is now referred to as Spanish Town and is sometimes studied in Jamaica history.

When the British came in 1655 to capture the land, the Spanish hardly fought back as they considered the island to be of small significance to them and their needs. In addition, just as little was left of the Arawak's history, when the Spanish left, besides a few buildings from the administration, there were hardly any traces of their culture.

African slaves were imported to be put to work on the sugar plantations. This made the British a lot of money, but only for a while. At the end of the eighteenth century, the higher production costs made sugar lose its value and power in the economy.

Then, in 1838, there was an Emancipation of the slaves and they were given the right to earn wages for their work on the plantations.

As Jamaica history will show, Rev. Sam Sharpe is celebrated for what his role was in the Christmas rebellion for slaves. He was a leader in 1831 for this cause, just a few short years before the Emancipation.

After Jamaica was rejected from becoming a member of the Federation of the West Indies, it gained its political independence in 1962.

Finally, by the end of that decade, Jamaica history was beginning to take a turn for the better financially. Tourism began to boom and there was established manufacturing and mining.

As it can easily be seen throughout all of Jamaica history, the island has been through its ups and downs but has been able to bounce back.

Today, Jamaica is a hot spot for vacationers and random tourists. It is a place that is not only full of freedom, cultural expression, and beauty, but it is also full of people who are kind and who are making their place not just on the island, but in the entire world.

Jamaica history is something that everyone should learn a little about. It will help you understand their culture and it will ensure that you appreciate everything there is to love in Jamaica.

For More In-Depth, You May Like To Visit 'History of Jamaica'

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