Short history of Grenada and its journey to independence
Grenada , a Caribbean nation known for its lush landscapes and rich history , has a fascinating journey to independence . Its story weaves through colonization , struggles for autonomy and eventual selfgovernance .
The history of Grenada begins with its indigenous inhabitants , the Kalinago people , who called the island Camahogne . In 1498 , Christopher Columbus sighted Grenada during his third voyage to the Americas , but it wasn ’ t until 1650 that the French established a permanent settlement . The French named the island “ La Grenade ” after the pomegranate due to its resemblance to the fruit .
For nearly a century , Grenada remained a French colony until 1763 when it was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Paris . The British renamed the island Grenada , and it became a crucial part of their colonial holdings in the Caribbean . The island ’ s economy was primarily based on sugar plantations using enslaved Africans brought from West Africa .
In the 19th century , Grenada experienced social and political upheavals , including the abolition of slavery in 1834 and the introduction of indentured laborers from India to work on the plantations . These changes led to a more diverse population but also to tensions between different ethnic groups .
By the mid-20th century , the push for self-governance gained momentum across British colonies , including
Grenada . In 1950 , the Grenada National Party ( GNP ) was formed , advocating for increased autonomy . However , it wasn ’ t until 1967 that Grenada achieved associated statehood within the British Commonwealth , granting it more control over internal affairs while still recognizing British sovereignty .
During this period , political parties like the Grenada United Labour Party ( GULP ) emerged , promoting social reforms and economic development . In 1974 , under the leadership of Eric Gairy , Grenada officially became an independent nation , with Gairy serving as its first Prime Minister .
Gairy ’ s government faced criticism for alleged corruption and authoritarianism , leading to widespread discontent among
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