Trinidad and Tobago Historical Overview

Aug 23, 2024

Lecture Notes: Trinidad and Tobago History

Introduction

  • Overview of Trinidad and Tobago
  • Presentation accompanied by music

Ancient History

  • Inhabitants:
    • Trinidad: Inhabited by Arakan-speaking peoples
    • Tobago: Inhabited by Island Caribs
  • Discovery:
    • Christopher Columbus spotted both islands in 1498
    • Europeans did not settle until nearly a century later

European Colonization

  • Spanish Colonization:
    • First European settlers in Trinidad
  • English Arrival:
    • Sir Walter Raleigh took possession of Spanish settlement
    • Searched for the legendary City of Gold (El Dorado)
    • Notable incident: One of Raleigh's men was eaten by a crocodile
  • French Planters:
    • Arrived in Tobago in the mid-1600s
    • Established a plantation economy using African slaves
  • Rival Powers:
    • Competition for control of Tobago

Decline of Indigenous Population

  • Conflict:
    • Indigenous population in Trinidad dwindled due to conflicts with Europeans

Plantation Economy Expansion

  • French Planters in Trinidad:
    • Encouraged to establish plantations in Trinidad
  • British Invasion of Trinidad:
    • Conquered Trinidad in 1797

Abolition of Slavery

  • Abolition Act:
    • British abolished slavery in 1833
  • Labor Supply Changes:
    • Employers imported cheap labor from India
    • Many Indians remained in Trinidad after contracts expired

Government and Infrastructure

  • Red House:
    • Rebuilt by British after riots over water costs
    • Name origin is a mystery

Economic Shifts

  • Decline of Sugar Cane and Cocoa Industries:
    • Notable decline in 1920s and 30s
  • Petroleum Industry Rise:
    • Petroleum replaced previous industries

Independence and Notable Events

  • Independence:
    • Gained in 1962
    • Eric Williams became the first Prime Minister
  • Hurricane Flora:
    • Category 4 hurricane affected the Caribbean in 1963
  • Olympic Success:
    • Hazley Crawford won Trinidad's first Olympic gold in 1976
  • Muslim Revolt:
    • Attempted government takeover in 1990
    • Failed to gain control
  • Nobel Prize in Literature:
    • V.S. Naipaul won in 2001

Current Situation

  • High level of human development
  • Economy is grounded in oil and tourism

Conclusion

  • Summary of Trinidad and Tobago's historical journey
  • Farewell message accompanied by music