Immigration into the BWI after Emancipation

Push factors

Reasons for leaving a country

Pull Factors

Reasons why an individual is attracted to a country

Examples of Push Factors

poor living conditions, gang violence, war, climate, poor job opportunities, poverty, poor governance, natural disaster, racism

Examples of Pull Factors

better job opportunities, reunite families, improved quality of life, climate(warm), stable political environment, limited crime

What happened to ex-slaves after Emancipation in the British West Indies?

They continued to give their labour to planters, but job opportunities were limited.

Why did some ex-slaves leave the plantations?

Planters were unwilling to treat them fairly, so they left to engage in peasant activities.

What kind of agriculture did the ex-slaves turn to?

Small-scale agriculture to provide for themselves and sell any surplus.

In which British West Indian territories did the peasant system develop significantly?

Jamaica, Trinidad, British Guiana (Guyana), and to a lesser extent, the Windward Islands (e.g. St. Lucia, St. Vincent).

What problem did planters face as ex-slaves withdrew their labour?

Labour shortages emerged on the plantations.

What was the impact of Labour Shortages?

Labour shortages made it difficult for the planters to continue the production of sugar

How did planters respond to the loss of labour from ex-slaves?

They had to pay higher wages to keep those willing to work on the plantations.

What was the impact when planters had to pay higher wages?

The planters’ cost of production increased

How did planters try to solve the labour shortage?

By seeking labour from surrounding Caribbean countries and regions outside the Caribbean.

What are examples of surrounding Caribbean countries planters recruited from?

Barbados and other places with an oversupply of labour and low wages.

Which countries outside the Caribbean did planters seek labour from?

Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Madeira (Portuguese country), China, and India.

Why did many foreigners come to the Caribbean?

In search of higher wages and better opportunities to improve their way of life.

What is indentured or contract labour?

When an individual enters an agreement/contract to work for an employer for a fixed period of time (5–7 years).

What were indentured labourers provided under the contract?

Food, clothing, and shelter.