Jamaica and Haiti

Paper Summary:

Jamaica and Haiti share a common history of British and American influence. The writer explains that while both countries have been subject to a degree of political and economic instability, Haiti has a lengthy history of political oppression and economic chaos that continues today. The paper also states that while both countries have ongoing relationships with the United States, Jamaica's relationship is much more stable. Today, Haiti's economic and political future seems uncertain, while Jamaica is a relatively stable and prosperous nation.

From the Paper:

"In the 19th and 20th centuries, Jamaica's history was dominated by the English, the slave trade and democratic socialism. At the beginning of the 1800's, Jamaican slaves were subject to terrible treatment, and a slave revolts were common. During the largest of these revolts, the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, over 20,000 slaves murdered planters and destroyed plantations. As retribution, over 400 slaves were hanged, and the resulting outcry in England forced the Jamaican parliament to end slavery in 1834 (Lonely Planet, Jamaica).
The resulting economic transition to wage labor was largely chaotic, as former slaves chose to leave poor wages on plantation estates. White plantation owners were the only people with voting power. Conditions on the island remained poor and naval blockades during the American Civil War cut off vital supplies and made conditions even worse. The Morant Bay Rebellion resulted in public executions, hangings, and destruction that forced England to send more "enlightened" governors to Jamaica (Lonely Planet, Jamaica)."

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