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In 1492, Jamaica was discovered by Europeans when Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World.
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In 1509 the land of Jamaica was claimed by the Spanish.
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In 1655 the land of Jamaica is seized by the British.
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Jamaica is formally owned by the British. The land becomes the world's largest sugar exporting nation.
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The Jamaican capital Port Royal was destroyed by an earthquake, Spanish Town became the new capital and Kingston was founded.
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In 1838 slavery was abolished.
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Freed slaves rebel against the British.
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In 1884 the British in Jamaica adopted a new constitution.
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A group of 500 men were sent to fight in WWI.
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The People's National Party is founded by Norman Manley.
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WWII took place from 1939-1945
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In August of 1945 the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
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Jamaica becomes a member of the Federation of the West Indies.
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Jamaica withdrawals from the Federation of the West Indies
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Jamaica becomes independent, under prime minister Alexander Bustamante.
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First use of nickel coin in Jamaica.
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Michael Manley becomes prime minister for the PNP
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Edward Seaga becomes prime minister and the US grants the government substantial aid as the country distances itself from Cuba
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Canasol a new drug used to treat glaucoma was introduced by Professor Manley West.
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Hurricane Gilbert devastates part of Jamaica.
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Michael Manley returns as prime minister.
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Michael Manley retires.
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Hurricane Ivan strikes in Jamaica.
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Portia Simpson Miller becomes the firsrt female PM in March.
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Bruce Goulding becomes PM of the PNP.
