From Occupation to Independence: A Short History of the Peoples of the English-Speaking Caribbean Region [Hardcover]

Richard Hart (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0745313825 | ISBN-13: 978-0745313825 | Publication Date: November 1, 1998

With this volume Richard Hart provides a "beginner's guide" to the history of the peoples of the English-speaking West Indies. Spanning five centuries, Hart's concise history focuses on the impact and legacy of the slave trade and its intrinsic contribution to contemporary West Indian politics and culture. Hart assesses the role of blacks themselves in achieving the abolition of slavery, and in so doing seeks a balance between the common perceptions of "greedy" African chiefs selling their kith and kin for beads and trinkets, the "heroism" of early anti-slavery campaigners such as William Wiberforce, and the role played by the Pan-African movement. Hart examines the motivation and courage of those who resisted and rebelled and assesses the contributions of the various movements which waged fierce guerrilla warfare against the colonists on many Caribbean islands until national independence was achieved. This volume seeks to go beyond existing histories of the Caribbean to explore how the impact of slavery has been reflected in West Indian popular culture in the 20th century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Hart is a teacher of great skill and lucidity ... This book is a genuine popular history that offers a starting place, a survey which entices its readers into a more detailed study of the history of the Caribbean.' Morning Star'The book is concisely written. It is packed to the brim with detailed fact and information ... A good introduction to an important subject' News Line'Hart's exploration of the forms of resistance slaves adopted to fight against their exploitation is both moving and inspirational, the brutality of slavery being met head on by the dignity of those who refuesd to abandon their right to freedom ... [a] detailed and inspiring book.' Black Flag'A welcome overview of the complex history of theEnglish-speaking Caribbean... Hart writes from a classic anti-colonial nationalist perspective, one motivated by a vindicationist impulse; the reader is challenged to see the peoples of the Caribbean as an integral part of the fabric of modernity, but rendered invisible through historical and historian's neglect. The book is a good introduction to the field and serves as an excellent guide to further reading ... A concise account, from a realist historical standpoint, of developments which ahve been theorized in different language in postcolonial theory ... Immensely readable and valuable.' Ethnic and Racial Studies --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Richard Hart's concise history of the people of the English-speaking West Indies spans five centuries, from the early days of settlement, through colonisation to the achievement of political independence. Covering all the larger territories - including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, the Leeward and Windward Islands, Barbados, the Bahamas, British Honduras and British Guiana - Hart focuses on the key events, significant political and social movements and prominent figures in the region's history. The slave trade and its overwhelming social and economic legacy during the last two centuries is covered, in particular the systems of indentured labour and worker-employer relations on the plantations, the labour rebellions and the subsequent emergence of the trade union movement. The growth and structure of colonial resistance is examined, from the early nationalistic movements, to the formation of national political parties and the moves towards decolonisation. Hart also assesses the impact of colonial legislation and the effects of constitutional change on non-whites of the region, and their struggle for enfranchisement and self determination. --This text refers to the Textbook Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Pluto Pr (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745313825
• ISBN-13: 978-0745313825
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Boss of an historian, March 9, 2001

By 

Rebekah (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Occupation to Independence: A Short History of the Peoples of the English-Speaking Caribbean Region (Hardcover)

Richard Hart is a boss of a historian, especially on capturing the nuances of the commonwealth caribbean's social and political history. Other books by him recommended: Slaves who abolished slavery. volume 1: Blacks in Bondage; and Slaves who abolished slavery. Volume 2: Blacks in Rebellion. From Occupation to Independence is sharp and succinct. Also an easy and pleasurable read -- the reader is not boggled down by unnecessary academic and quasi-intellectual jargon.