History and Politics of Grenada

History

Grenada is a Caribbean island and part of the Lesser Antilles. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1498, which was inhabited by the Caribs. Grenada was not made into a settlement at first, which the English would try in 1609 due to the resistance of natives. The French did establish a settlement in 1650 until it was then ceded to the British in 1763 through the Treaty of Paris; later it was recaptured by the French and once again restored to the British in 1783. During the French and British rule, many slaves were brought onto the island and following abolition policies and revolts, slaves were emancipated in Grenada in the year 1833. For a while they joined the West Indies Federation, but later in 1976 they became a self-governing state associated with the United Kingdom.

Politics

In more modern times, Grenada became an independent nation in 1974. While the island is still associated with the UK, their own elections have been a source of conflict. Several political parties rose in opposition to the Prime Minister, which brought several coups. The New Jewel Movement (NJM) presented socialist ideals, which Western powers opposed, and so a coup occurred again in 1983. This resulted in a US invasion of Grenada to restore power and control. As of now, Grenada is a Commonwealth nation under a constitutional monarchy.

Grenada has a long and extensive history that has been affected since the colonial time by European powers and continues to reflect in its politics. These aren't the only areas, because it has essentially shaped and composed who and what Grenada is today. Grenada's demographics have roots across the entire world and its culture reflects that as well. This is something shared across the entire Caribbean region, especially in the Eastern Caribbean where islands were primarily used for its spices. The Lesser Antilles were also made into settlements by the Europeans. While there are many similarities between them, each have their own story, history, and politics.

Sources Cited:

“Grenada.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/place/Grenada.

“Grenada - Politics.” GlobalSecurity, www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/caribbean/gj-politics.htm.

“History of Grenada.” History of Grenada, West Indies | Grenada Explorer, www.grenadaexplorer.com/Island_Guide/History.html#:~:text=%20History%20of%20Grenada%20%201%20Arawaks%20%26,became%20an%20associate%20state%20within%20the...%20More%20.