Jamaican Independence
This investigation will account for Jamaica's movement towards and achievement of independence from the midst of the 1930s to the 1960s. It will focus on the approach for national development and the gradual increase of national consciousness marked by the end of the 'dark age' and, essentially, by the Great Depression; the root of widespread political stirrings. The charismatic Norman Manley and Bustamante were the leaders of independence movements, the latter eventually becoming the first Prime Minister of an independent Jamaica. Jamaica fell to British rule in 1655, a prized colonial possession valued for its sugar production, with an established Crown Colony government appointed by the Queen . By the 1930s Jamaica had already undergone series of essential changes; the abolition of slave trade resulted in the collapse of the plantation system generating a prolonged economic crisis, for which Jamaica was gradually losing economical significance to British plantation owners. Oppressive taxation, discriminatory acts by the courts, and land-exclusion measures caused widespread unrest among
The Second World War boosted the Jamaican sense of racial identity, encouraged by men such as Marcus Garvey who spoke out against economic exploitation and cultural denigration and had served to join the West Indians together ain support of Britain against Hitler's Germany . Independence was achieved in august 6th 1962. It entailed unemployment for the Jamaican masses, who already lacked representation in the government, and generated campaigns to acquire a degree of local political control. After the war, the island profited greatly from the colonial development and welfare act which enabled the development of an independent economy, foreshadowing the end of dependence on Great Britain . JLP remained in power for the next ten years aligned with the west and tried to encourage foreign companies to invest in the island by joining the World Bank and the CARIFTA , from which Jamaica gained a relatively stable economic, political and social government. Figureheads such as Norman Manley emerged. During this chaotic period a new Ras Tarafi movement grew which stressed on the West Indian African qualities, symbolizing the questioning of European values and rejection of their cultural forms. 'We have to build up a good society where justice prevails no matter what our colour or what race we belong to. Leader of the opposition blessed with charm and energy, he was a lawyer who represented the intellectual middle class. He founded the PNP with a moderate leftist Fabian socialist orientation, as well as the NWU. ' On the other hand was his cousin Bustamante, also a businessman with considerable political flair and personal popularity. It was the result of an increase in political awareness throughout the country. A growing demand for self-determination became apparent as Jamaica was granted a new constitution in 1944 providing a bicameral legislature .
Common topics in this essay:
Crown Colony,
Norman Manley,
West Indian,
,
Hitler's Germany,
Jamaica Independence,
Parry Sherlock,
Indian African,
Indies Federation,
Britain JLP,
british rule,
norman manley,
crown colony,
west indian,
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