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May 1, 1494
Christopher Columbus Discovers Jamaica
On his second voyage to the New World Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica. He claimed the island for the king and queen of Spain. -
Jan 1, 1509
First Spanish Colony in Jamaica
Juan de Esquivel came to Jamaica and developed the first Spanish Colony in Jamaica called 'Sevilla la Nueva' -
Jan 1, 1517
Africans Brought to Jamaica as Slaves
Arawaks killed off by Spainards due to disease,slavery, and war. In desperate need of free labor the Spainards brought africans as slaves. -
The English Take Jamaica
English sailors and soldiers lead by Admiral Penn and General Venables. They were meant to claim Hispaniola, but failed, so they sailed to Jamaica. The Spanish left Jamaica and freed their slaves which resulted in the Maroon Society being formed. -
Jamaica's First Governor
Sir Thomas Mody Ford is appointed first governor of Jamaica -
1st Maroon War Begins
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Slave Trade Becomes Popular in Jamaica
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1st Maroon War Ends
: The English grant the Maroons autonomy ending the First Maroon War -
Second Maroon War Begins
There was never an exact end to this war. The maroons simply negotiated with the English when they realized they were outnumbered. -
Slave Revolt
A small ten day slave revolt began and was led by “Daddy” Samuel Sharpe, a Baptist deacon and domestic slave -
Period: to
Indentured Servants Brought to Jamaica
indentured servants from India , China, Syria, and Lebanon are brought to Jamaica. -
Morant Bay Rebellion
The rebellion was a result of the imprisonment of a black man for trespassing. An angry group of people, led by Paul Bogle, went to speak with Governor Eyre. When they arrived at the court house they were met with militia gunfire. -
Jamaica Adopts a New Constitution
After the Morant Bay Rebellion Jamaica was granted autonomy, and thus needed a constitution. -
People's National Party is Formed
In May 1938 the Sugar industry workers, dock workers, and many unemployed Jamaican went on strike for better work, pay, and working conditions. The tension between the employees and employers became so intense a meditator was needed. Norman Manley became this mediator. Along with the cooperation of both employees and employers they formed the People’s National Party. -
Jamaica Become's a Memeber of the West Indies Federation
Jamaica became a key member of the West Indies Federations which is sponsored by the British -
Jamaica leaves the West Indies Federation
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Jamaican Independence Day
1962 Jamaica gained their independence from Britain and elected Alexander Bustamente as their first prime minister -
People's National Party Gains Power
The People's National Party gains control of Jamaica with Michael Manley as their leader. -
New Prime Minester and US Help
In the year 1980 Jamqice elected a new Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, who was a part of the Labor Party, With Seaga as their new Prime Minister Jamaica began to distance themselves, as a nation, from Cuba. When this happened the U.S began to offer financial support to the Jamaican government. -
Jamaican Wins Miss World
In Spetmeber 1993 Lisa Hanna, traveled to Sun City,South Africa and won the title of Miss World. -
Jamaican Breaks world Record
Usain Bolt breaks a world record in the 2012 olympics with a time of 9.58 seconds in the 100 meter dash.
