In-depth Notes on Jamaica and Latin America's Historical Context

Jamaica's Colonial History and Development

• 1493: Jamaica is occupied by Spaniards under a license from Columbus's son.

  • Indigenous Arawak population severely reduced due to European diseases.

  • First African slaves brought to work on sugar plantations.

• 1655: British capture Jamaica from the Spanish.

• 1670: Jamaica ceded to the British via the Treaty of Madrid.

• 1692: Port Royal, a center for trade and debauchery, devastated by an earthquake but rebuilt five years later.

• 1838: Abolition of slavery in Jamaica.

  • Land grants established for freed slaves, leading to opposition from upper classes.

  • Emergence of a black Jamaican middle class.

• 1865: British suppress the Morant Bay Rebellion, forcing the local legislature to derive its power.

  • Jamaica becomes a crown colony.

• 1870: Decline of the sugar cane industry leads to the establishment of banana plantations.

  • Competition with European beet sugar and Brazil as a major sugar producer.

• 1884: New constitution marks revival of local autonomy.

• 1938: Riots escalate due to unemployment and resentment towards British racial policies.

  • Creation of the People's National Party (PNP) by Norman Manley.

• 1944: Universal adult suffrage introduced; new constitution allows for popular elections.

• 1958: Jamaica joins the British-sponsored Federation of the West Indies.

• 1961: Jamaica withdraws from the Federation.

Independence and Political Changes

• 1962: Jamaica gains independence within the British Commonwealth; Alexander Bustamante of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) becomes prime minister.

  • Position favored for future electoral strategies.

• 1972: Michael Manley of the PNP becomes prime minister and begins promoting economic self-reliance.

• 1976: The PNP wins another term following elections marred by violence and bribery involving multiple countries.

• 1981: Death of renowned musician Bob Marley.

Recent Historical Context

• 1998-2001: Surge in violent crime leads to cooperation between political parties.

  • Political unity aimed at protecting Jamaica's critical tourism industry.

• 2002-2022: Significant investments in the University of the West Indies, which originally started in Jamaica and expanded throughout the Caribbean.

Age of Dictatorships in Latin America

1. Chile (1973): General Augusto Pinochet stages a coup against Salvador Allende's democratically elected government.

   • During his reign, over 30,000 civilians die, reflecting extreme right-wing brutality.

   • Initial support from the USA later turns to pressure for Pinochet to step down (1988-1989).

2. Argentina (1976): General Jorge Videla leads a brutal military coup amidst political chaos.

   • Thousands are kidnapped, tortured, and killed; significant social unrest leads to the infamous "Night of the Pencils" where students are targeted.

   • Over 32,000 die under the regime, with mass graves discovered post-dictatorship.

3. Peru (1980-1993): The terrorist group Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), under Abimael Guzman, orchestrates violence against indigenous populations, resulting in the Ashaninka Genocide.

   • Their ideology targets those not aligned with metro-communist views, leading to thousands of civilian deaths.

The Impact of U.S. Intervention

• In Latin America, the U.S. supported certain regimes while opposing others, promoting a varying degree of violence and suppression depending on geopolitical interests.

• The impact of U.S. intervention is significant through support of dictatorships that led to human rights violations and social upheaval across different countries.

Comparisons of Caribbean Nations

• Hispanic vs Black British Caribbean: The black-majority governments of the Black British Caribbean nations operate democratically, contrary to challenges faced by Afro-Caribbean minorities in Hispanic countries where economic disadvantage persists.

• Cuban Rhetoric: Discussion centers around Cuba's historical anti-homosexual policies, pertinent human rights violations, and the persecution of key political figures such as poet Reynaldo Arenas.

Cultural and Economic Developments

• Transition from Jamaican cultural prominence to Trinidad and Tobago's economic strength highlights regional dynamics within the Caribbean.

• Economic and stability associations within CARICOM emphasize the need for regional cooperation amidst Haitian struggles for inclusion in the union due to political instability.

• Recent political evolution focuses on increased female representation and gender equality throughout Caribbean economic discussions.

Further Historical Context and Modern Themes

• Black British Caribbean: Dominantly black-led democratic governments promote a strong middle-class economy and education.

• Discussion on historical figures like Michael Manley and Bob Marley ties in themes of civil rights, socio-economic struggles, and cultural identity, alongside critiques of American misconceptions surrounding Caribbean politics and society.

These notes consolidate major historical points regarding Jamaica and broader Latin American contexts, including the impact of slavery, dictatorial regimes, and the social dynamics within the Caribbean. They encapsulate vital timelines, themes of resistance, cultural pride, and socio-economic challenges faced by these nations.