History of Barbados

Barbados, an island in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, has a rich history dating back to around 1600 BC when humans first settled there. ItVarious European powers claimed itefore becoming an English/British colony.

The introduction of sugar cane in the 17th century led to a significant transformation of the island’s society and economy, with sugar becoming a major industry largely reliant on African slave labor.

The population shifted drastically, with enslaved Africans outnumbering whites by significant margins by the 18th century. This led to numerous slave rebellions, the largest being Bussa’s rebellion in 1816. Slavery was abolished in 1834, but the white plantocracy still held economic and political control, leaving many black workers in poverty.

Today, Barbados is an independent state and a leading tourist destination in the Caribbean, with a population predominantly of African descent.

Credit: George Brown | 2019 – Out of Africa: Black History Month Special | Caribbean