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Questions and Answers
What economic activity became particularly successful for the peasantry in Trinidad between 1870 and 1920?
What economic activity became particularly successful for the peasantry in Trinidad between 1870 and 1920?
What role did missionaries play in the development of freed African communities?
What role did missionaries play in the development of freed African communities?
What type of villages emerged as settlements for freed slaves after emancipation?
What type of villages emerged as settlements for freed slaves after emancipation?
What was a significant challenge faced by the peasantry in terms of land access?
What was a significant challenge faced by the peasantry in terms of land access?
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Which movement emphasized the importance of education along with religious teaching?
Which movement emphasized the importance of education along with religious teaching?
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What was one outcome of the Morant Bay Rebellion in Jamaica?
What was one outcome of the Morant Bay Rebellion in Jamaica?
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Which cash crop farming largely depended on wealthier blacks and mulattoes?
Which cash crop farming largely depended on wealthier blacks and mulattoes?
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What was a major social contribution of the peasantry in post-emancipation society?
What was a major social contribution of the peasantry in post-emancipation society?
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What was a significant contribution of freed people to Caribbean society?
What was a significant contribution of freed people to Caribbean society?
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What was one of the primary aims of the Crown Colony Government reforms?
What was one of the primary aims of the Crown Colony Government reforms?
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Why was there dissatisfaction with the political changes under the Crown Colony Government?
Why was there dissatisfaction with the political changes under the Crown Colony Government?
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What was a barrier to self-sufficiency according to nationalist sentiments?
What was a barrier to self-sufficiency according to nationalist sentiments?
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What did the emerging middle class in the Caribbean seek from the government?
What did the emerging middle class in the Caribbean seek from the government?
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Which of the following was NOT a reason given for the need for regional unity among colonies?
Which of the following was NOT a reason given for the need for regional unity among colonies?
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Which event was significant in the administrative consolidation within the Caribbean colonies during the 19th century?
Which event was significant in the administrative consolidation within the Caribbean colonies during the 19th century?
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What was a direct outcome of the Crown Colony Government's reforms regarding education?
What was a direct outcome of the Crown Colony Government's reforms regarding education?
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Which region was specifically incorporated into Antigua in 1860?
Which region was specifically incorporated into Antigua in 1860?
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What did the nationalist critics advocate for in response to Britain's control over the colonies?
What did the nationalist critics advocate for in response to Britain's control over the colonies?
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Study Notes
Emergence of the Caribbean Peasantry
- Former slaves in the Caribbean transitioned to farming and trade post-emancipation.
- The cocoa industry in Trinidad thrived between 1870 and 1920, fueled by peasant activity.
- Peasantry encompassed activities beyond farming, including fishing, shopkeeping, and estate labor.
- Freed Africans established self-sufficient communities, with cooperative movements, churches, and markets.
- Success in sugarcane cultivation was apparent through their increasing contribution to sugar production.
- Independent subsistence farming coexisted with cash-crop farming by wealthier blacks, mulattoes, and poorer whites.
Role of Missionaries
- Missionaries guided freed people on societal expectations and promoted unity through activities like prayer meetings and event recording.
- Missionaries linked religion with education, focusing on biblical principles.
- Educational institutions, such as the Mico Charity Grant, promoted education in colonies like Jamaica and Guyana.
Free Village Movement
- Free villages emerged as settlements of freed slaves post-emancipation.
- Two types of village structures developed: cyclical villages near plantations, and linear villages along major routes.
- Notable villages included Sligoville, Sturge Town, and Clarksonville, supported by missionaries and philanthropists.
Challenges of the Peasantry
- Land scarcity was a challenge as planters resisted selling land to peasants, forcing them onto small holdings, often resulting in soil exhaustion.
- External threats like diseases, natural disasters, and foreign competition impacted agricultural yields and profitability.
Contributions of the Peasantry
- Peasants diversified crops for local and export markets.
- Peasants formed cooperatives, promoting self-reliance.
- Peasantry helped reduce class divisions and advocated for civil rights and political inclusion.
Morant Bay Rebellion
- Economic decline, racial tensions, and neglect by the old representative system fueled the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion in Jamaica.
- Key figures like George William Gordon and Paul Bogle led the rebellion, protesting oppressive conditions.
- The rebellion led to the replacement of the Old Representative System with the Crown Colony Government, strengthening British control.
Crown Colony Government Reforms
- Infrastructure improvements included roads, bridges, and drains, for better transportation and reduced flooding.
- Improved postal services enhanced communication, and schools provided basic education.
- Health campaigns targeted diseases to improve public health, especially in urban areas.
- A more effective police force maintained law and order.
Dissatisfaction with Political Changes
- Limited political representation: Key decisions were made by appointed British officials, prioritising colonial interests over local needs.
- Elected representatives had limited influence.
- Exclusion of the majority: Voting rights were constrained by property and income qualifications, with limited opportunities for the majority in government positions.
Middle-Class Concerns
- The emerging middle class, including educated professionals, sought greater involvement in governance.
- They believed their education qualified them for leadership roles and opposed the dominance of British officials.
Nationalist Criticism
- The colonies' significant reliance on British funding meant local governments had limited control over budgets and projects.
- Nationalists argued that reliance on British aid perpetuated poverty and unemployment, advocating for self-sufficiency and independent development.
- Advocates emphasized regional unity to reduce reliance on Britain and strive for independence.
Regional Assimilations
- St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla consolidated to centralize administration in 1882-1883.
- Antigua and Barbuda merged in 1860, and Trinidad and Tobago unified in 1889.
- British Honduras (Belize) gained independence from Jamaica in 1884.
- Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands were administered by Jamaica in 1863 and 1873, respectively.
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Description
Explore the transition of former slaves in the Caribbean to self-sufficient peasant communities post-emancipation. This quiz covers the impact of peasant activities on the cocoa and sugar industry, as well as the role of missionaries in promoting education and social unity. Test your knowledge on this significant historical period.
