Caribbean and the wider world
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The Caribbean was a centre of trade for the various Carib peoples who lived throughout the region. After the arrival of the Europeans and the establishment of the plantation system, trade remained a core part of the region’s identity. The main exports from the Caribbean of sugar, molasses and rum were all made possible due to the fields of sugar cane worked by enslaved labour. Other important goods that came from the region included salt, rice, cocoa and fruit.
Because of the wealth to be gained, there were several land disputes between the various European powers. Some islands changed hands frequently in short periods of time.
Events happening on neighbouring islands and in the wider world, also greatly affected those in the British Caribbean. In the 18th century both the Haitian and American Revolutions caused people to migrate to various British Caribbean islands and affected trade. Additionally, the Haitian Revolution caused concern over regard to copycat revolts, especially in nearby Jamaica.
Throughout the 19th century the Caribbean had a tense relationship with the American South. For example, during the American Civil War Britain was neutral, refusing to allow thousands of free blacks from the south to move to Grenada despite the wishes of local plantation owners.
Workers from British Caribbean islands also moved to neighbouring Spanish islands and Central America in search of work. One of the main projects that attracted such workers was the building of the Panama Canal. Additionally, about 40,000 Jamaicans and Barbadians settled in Cuba in the early 20th century after migrating there to work in the sugar industry.
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Map with manuscript entries of a part of Yucatan allotted to Great Britain for the cutting of logwood. Originally printed for William Faden, Geographer to the King. South America, 1786 Cat ref: CO700/ BRITISH HONDURAS12/1
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Despatch regarding recent land surveys, mentions strategic importance of Bermuda for British trade and naval interests, extract. Bermuda, 1793 Cat ref: CO 37/44/34 f 265 Crown Copyright.
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Application to acquire labourers and liberated Africans from the United States of America. Grenada, 1862 Cat ref: CO101/118/63 f 474 Crown Copyright.
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Extract from the Royal Gardens, Kew bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, July and August 1826, Nos. 67, 68. Printed by: Judd & Co. Ltd Lith. 3880. West Indies, 1892 Cat ref: CO 318/282/40 f 213
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Despatch regarding treatment of West Indian labourers working on the Panama Canal, extract. West Indies, 1895 Cat ref: CO 318/284/16 f 121 Crown Copyright.
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Cartoon satirising the relationship between Bahamas and Canada taken from Sunshine published by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Montreal. Bahamas, 1911 Cat ref: CO 23/267/46 f 291
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Despatch regarding alleged irregularities by Cayman fishing vessels operating off San Andres, extract. Cayman Islands, 1914 Cat ref: CO 137/704/15 f 110A Crown Copyright.
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Despatch regarding case of the wife of 'coloured' Barbadian, extract. Barbados, 1921 Cat ref: CO 28/299/60 f 398 Crown Copyright.
