Governance 1 Flashcards
How did Kwame Nkrumah define colonialism?
He defined it as a policy where the colonial power (the “mother country”) binds its colonies to itself for economic advantage.
What was the basis of the colonial state?
The philosophy of domination.
Example: In Jamaica, British colonialism focused on extracting sugar and other resources while suppressing local governance.
What influenced the political traditions of Caribbean islands under British rule?
How they were acquired, administered, and the political views in London at the time.
What were the three patterns of colonial incorporation?
- Colonies settled before the 18th century (e.g., Barbados, Jamaica).
- Colonies taken during the Seven Years’ War (e.g., Grenada).
- Colonies conquered in the late 18th/early 19th centuries (e.g., Trinidad).
What were the two main models of colonial government?
- Old Representative System (ORS): Bicameral legislature with an elected House of Assembly.
- Crown Colony Government (CCG): Direct rule by a governor with a nominated Legislative Council.
Example: Barbados used ORS, while Trinidad was a Crown Colony.
How was power divided in the Old Representative System?
Between the governor (executed laws) and the assembly (made laws). The assembly controlled money bills.
Who could vote in these assemblies?
Only wealthy male property owners.
Example: Jamaica’s assembly often clashed with governors over taxes and laws.
Why did Britain use Crown Colony Government in Trinidad and St. Lucia?
To avoid conflicts with local elites, giving governors autocratic power.
Example: Trinidad, taken from Spain in 1797, had no elected assembly until much later.
What caused the Morant Bay Rebellion?
Protests by black peasants against unfair treatment, led by Paul Bogle and George William Gordon.
What was the outcome of the Morant Bay Rebellion?
Governor Eyre brutally suppressed it, leading Jamaica to abolish its assembly and adopt Crown Colony rule.
Example: This marked the end of the Old Representative System in Jamaica.
What was the key feature of Crown Colony Government?
Rule by a governor with a nominated (not elected) council.
Example: Trinidad and St. Lucia were the first Crown Colonies in the Caribbean.
What changed in 1884 in Jamaica?
Elected representation was reintroduced, but nominated members still held majority power.
Who recommended these changes? (Elected Representation)
Major Wood after his 1921-22 tour of the British West Indies.
Example: By the 1930s, more Caribbean colonies adopted this system.
Why was the Moyne Commission formed?
To investigate social uprisings in the 1930s (e.g., labor riots in Barbados, Jamaica).
What did the Moyne Commission recommend?
- Universal adult suffrage.
- More elected members in legislatures.
- Greater power for Executive Councils.
Example: These reforms paved the way for democracy in the Caribbean.
What was the goal of the West Indian Federation?
To unite British Caribbean colonies for stronger self-governance.
Why did the West Indian Federation fail?
Jamaica voted to leave in a 1961 referendum, followed by Trinidad.
Example: Jamaica became independent in 1962, followed by Trinidad and Tobago.
What was “Associated Statehood”?
A system where colonies had self-government but Britain controlled defense and foreign affairs.
When did most Caribbean nations gain independence?
- Barbados (1966)
- Grenada (1974)
- Dominica (1978)
- St. Lucia & St. Vincent (1979)
- Antigua & Barbuda (1981)
- St. Kitts-Nevis (1983)
Example: Guyana (1966) and Belize (1981) were not part of the Federation.
Key Takeaways:
- Colonialism was about economic control.
- Crown Colony Government removed local power; Moyne Commission brought reforms.
- Federation failed due to nationalism (Jamaica & Trinidad left).
- Independence came gradually, with most islands becoming sovereign in the 1970s-80s.
