Why was Jamaica important to the British empire?

Jamaica was important to Britain because of its production of sugar, which was the leading commodity imported into Britain at the time. The most economically and strategically significant part of the empire, however, were the Caribbean colonies, including Jamaica, Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis, and Barbados.

What was the most valuable colony in the British empire?

The British viewed India as its most valuable colony. India already had a very large population of people who could contribute a great deal to the wealth of the empire. Its 300 million people were a large potential market for british-made goods. India had all sorts of goods that the British wanted.

What did Britain gain from Jamaica?

Jamaica also became one of Britain’s most-valuable colonies in terms of agricultural production, with dozens of processing centres for sugar, indigo, and cacao (the source of cocoa beans), although a plant disease destroyed much of the cacao crop in 1670–71.

Why was the English Caribbean more valuable than the American colonies?

It also revealed that Britain regarded the economic well being of the Caribbean colonies was more important than that of the American colonies. The small sugar islands were producing disproportionately more wealth for their size than any of the North American colonies.

When did Jamaica become a British colony?

1655
Jamaica was an English colony from 1655 (when it was captured by the English from Spain), and a British Colony from 1707 until 1962, when it became independent.

Why was the Caribbean important to the British Empire?

The Europeans came to the Caribbean in search of wealth. This also made the Caribbean colonies valuable – and tempting targets for rival empires. Britain and France were constantly at war in the 18th century and early 19th century, with places such as Martinique changing hands many times.

How did the British affect Jamaica?

Under British rule, Jamaica went from being a Spanish storehouse to one of the most prized Colonial possession of the entire British Empire. In the early days of the colony, piracy flourished. On the backs of a large population of African slaves, the colony became one of the most important sugar producers in the world.

Why did Britain colonize the Caribbean?

The Europeans came to the Caribbean in search of wealth. After unsuccessful experiments with growing tobacco, the English colonists tried growing sugarcane in the Caribbean. This was not a local plant, but it grew well after its introduction. Sugarcane could be used to make various products.

Was Jamaica a British colony?

Jamaica was an English colony from 1655 (when it was captured by the English from Spain), and a British Colony from 1707 until 1962, when it became independent. Jamaica became a Crown colony in 1866.