Early 1970s Grenada: Suffering under hardship and oppression.
Prime Minister Eric Gary: Led by the Grenada United Labor Party and supported by the Mongoose Gang.
The Mongoose Gang: Military officials brutalizing opposition members on Gary's behalf.
Key Events
Bloody Sunday (November 18, 1973): Aggressive acts by the state against the people.
Bloody Monday (January 21, 1974): Continued state aggression.
Rise of Maurice Bishop
Maurice Bishop's Movement: Led a community uprising.
March 13, 1979: A bloodless coup when Prime Minister Eric Gary was out of the country.
Took over police stations and government offices.
Announced a revolutionary anti-imperialist and socialist government over Radio Free Grenada.
New Jewel Movement: The party led by Maurice Bishop.
Stood for New Joint Endeavor for Welfare, Education, and Liberation.
National democratic but anti-imperialist.
Government Under Bishop
No general elections; no other political parties.
Weekly town hall meetings with government ministers and the public.
Ministers addressed public concerns directly.
Changes in government based on public feedback.
People’s revolutionary government, not controlled by major finances or corporations.
Results: Decreased unemployment and crime, improved infrastructure.
Community Life During the Revolution
Strong sense of community; low crime rates.
Reports of unlocked homes and community cooperation.
Grenada became a model society in the English-speaking Caribbean.
International Relations and Tensions
Cuban Involvement: Helped build an airport, raising concerns in the US.
US Involvement: Befriended Caribbean leaders and infiltrated Grenada.
Created discord in the government.
Bernard Cord: Chief lieutenant, ideological rift with Bishop.
Downfall and Aftermath
Maurice Bishop's House Arrest: Sanctioned by Bernard Cord.
October 19, 1983: Bishop was freed, went to Fort Rupert.
Lined up and executed in cold blood by Hudson Austin.
Hudson Austin and Bernard Cord: Took over for six days.
US Invasion: Began on October 25, 1983.
7,000 US troops with 300 from the Eastern Caribbean versus 1,500 Grenadian soldiers and 800 Cuban military engineers.
Casualties:
US: 19 fatalities, 116 injuries.
Grenada: 45 military and 24 civilian deaths, 358 wounded.
Cuba: 25 killed, 59 wounded, 638 prisoners.
International Reaction
UN Condemnation: On November 2, 1983, UN General Assembly condemned the US invasion.
US Intelligence: Received over five tons of documents from Grenada.
Conclusion
The Grenada Revolution is a significant event in the history of the Caribbean, marked by its initial success in improving societal conditions but eventually leading to international conflict and military intervention by the United States.