Political enfranchisement

Political Enfranchisement

• Political enfranchisement is the process of granting individuals or groups the rights to participate in the political system, primarily through voting in elections and holding public office.
• During the mid-20th century, Black people in many regions were excluded from political participation.
• Colonial societies were often oppressive towards Black people after emancipation. This impacted the idea of political enfranchisement.
• The abolition of slavery in 1834 in British colonies did not lead to significant social, economic, or political changes for ex-slaves. Colonial governments didn't establish institutions to support them and they desired greater freedom.
• Thousands of Caribbean people migrated for better wages after emancipation to places like the Panama Canal, Cuba's sugar industries, and Puerto Rico's textile factories.
• The struggle for political enfranchisement was a key aspect of the independence movement in many Caribbean societies.
• Many Caribbean societies sought expanded voting rights for a broader segment of the population. This involved moving away from systems limiting voting rights to specific classes or races.
• Political enfranchisement included advocating for universal adult suffrage, where all adults, regardless of gender, race, or economic status, could vote.

Trade Unionism

• Trade unionism involves workers forming organizations (trade unions).
• These unions represent workers' interests in various industries.
• Trade unions advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and job security.
• Trade unionism uses collective bargaining where union representatives negotiate with employers on behalf of workers.
• The goal is to improve workers' rights and working lives.
• The culture of oppression persisted into the early 20th century causing material deprivations for many people of Caribbean countries and led to widespread poverty.
• Labor rebellions, strikes, and large-scale protests were common throughout British Caribbean colonies in the 1930s.
• The British government created a Royal Commission (Moyne) in 1938 to investigate social conditions. This Commission highlighted the need for some reforms.

Goals and Analysis of Political Movements

• The 1930s social rebellions sparked trade unions and the rise of political parties. Working classes fought for better working conditions, health, and education.
• Charismatic political leaders emerged during this period. These leaders included: Uriah Buzz Butler, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Captain A.A. Cipriani, Alexander Bustamante, Norman Washington Manley, Grantley Adams, and Nathaniel Crichlow.
• These leaders organized and developed the Caribbean trade union movement.

Political Development (PD)

• Following emancipation, in the late 19th century, Caribbean residents wanted independence and greater autonomy.
• High taxes imposed by the mother countries caused resentment, motivating the people to work to have greater say in how their colony was governed.
• Local legislative branches often clashed with the governors' and governmental authorities.

Universal Adult Suffrage

• Universal adult suffrage is the right of citizens to vote in elections. This right is granted to adults irrespective of race, sex, or social class.
• The right to vote was often initially restricted to 21 years of age, but this requirement was subsequently reduced to 18 years.
• Unrest and wide-scale social conflict in the 1930s encouraged colonial governments to establish elected representation and to extend voting rights to more people.
• Universal adult suffrage was implemented in Jamaica by 1944. This became the first Caribbean country to recognize it.
• This right to vote was afforded to citizens despite of race, sex, belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, wealth, social status, or disability.

Nationalism, Garveyism, Pan-Africanism, and Negritude

• Nationalism is a political ideology emphasizing a nation's interests and advocating for self-determination, particularly from colonial rule.
• Garveyism, a movement supported by Marcus Garvey, promoted Black pride, economic independence, and return to Africa.
• Pan-Africanism promotes unification and upliftment of people of African descent and encourages solidarity.
• Negritude is a literary and cultural movement that highlights Black culture, identity, and values, while opposing colonialism.
• These ideologies influenced the demand for political enfranchisement.