Adjustments to Emancipation, 1838-76

• What was the main economic situation after Emancipation in the Caribbean?

  Ex-slaves left estates, causing labor shortages
• What was one major consequence of ex-slaves becoming peasant farmers?

  It led to a massive labor shortage
• What were two main problems affecting the sugar industry post-Emancipation?

  Labor shortage and beet sugar competition
• How did planters attempt to address the labor shortage in the sugar industry?

  By introducing immigration and technology
• What agricultural change occurred after emancipation?

  Shift from sugar monoculture to diversification
• What crops were produced as a result of agricultural diversification?

  Banana, cocoa, and arrowroot
• Which territories experienced the greatest exodus of ex-slaves?

  Jamaica, Trinidad, and British Guiana
• How did the emancipation affect the development of islands in the Caribbean?

  Islands developed at different rates post-emancipation
• What was the difference in labor problems between Trinidad and Jamaica after emancipation?

  Trinidad sought immigration; Jamaica did not
• When did the period of Apprenticeship end?

  August 1, 1838
• What was one reason for the increasing cost of sugar production?

  Mismanagement of estates by absentee owners
• What financial issues did planters face after emancipation?

  Increasing debts and low profits from sugar
• Why were banks hesitant to lend to West Indian planters?

  They were skeptical about repayment due to low profits
• What was one consequence of the removal of preferential duties on sugar?

  Increased competition from cheaper foreign sugar
• How did the British Government's policies affect the sugar industry?

  They hindered the sugar industry's growth
• What was the attitude of freed people towards estate labor after emancipation?

  They sought alternatives and demanded fair wages
• What did plantation owners do to discourage freed people from establishing their own land?

  Made land too expensive for ex-slaves
• What did planters believe about the rightful place of freed Africans?

  They believed it was on the estates
• How did planters view the task system in Trinidad?

  They felt it made workers too rich
• What were the four main aims of the Crown in supporting immigration?

  Restore sugar industry, supply labor, maintain control, keep wages low
• Where did the first shipment of laborers come from after slavery?

  India
• What was the mortality rate of the first shipment of Indian laborers?

  18 died on board, 98 within 5 years
• What was the reaction to Indian immigration in Jamaica?

  Some opposed it due to social concerns
• How many Indian laborers were brought to the Caribbean by the end of the 19th century?

  Over 300,000
• What were the British immigration schemes for laborers?

  Madeirans, Chinese, Africans, East Indians, West Indians
• Why did planters seek European immigrants?

  To increase the size of the white population
• Which islands called for immigrant labour by the late 19th century?

  Antigua, St Kitts, and Nevis
• How many Indian labourers were received by the West Indies by the end of the 19th century?

  Over 300,000
• What was the primary reason for the British immigration schemes?

  To address labour shortages in the Caribbean
• What were the British immigration schemes for labourers?

  1. Madeirans (1835-1852)
  2. Chinese (1852-1893)
  3. Africans (after 1841)
  4. East Indians (1845-1917)
  5. West Indians (1837)
• Why did planters seek European immigrants?

  To increase the white population and industry
• Which European nationalities were primarily recruited as immigrants?

  Scots, Irish, French, and Germans
• What were the main problems with European immigration?

  High mortality rates and refusal to work
• What were Madeirans attracted to in the Caribbean?

  Higher wages than in Madeira
• What issues did Madeirans face upon immigration?

  High mortality from diseases and overwork
• What were the two distinct groups of Africans used as labourers?

  Free Africans and liberated Africans
• What characterized free Africans in the Caribbean?

  They willingly opted to work on plantations
• What was the British government's initial stance on recruiting Africans?

  Reluctant due to concerns of reviving the slave trade
• What was the fate of liberated Africans in the Caribbean?

  Indentured for up to five years
• Why did the number of liberated Africans become insufficient for labor needs?

  Too few were rescued and they left estates