Vocabulary
Grievance
A complaint arising from perceived unfair treatment
What major event contributed to the decline of sugar cultivation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)?
Natural disasters and economic shifts
What was the primary reason BVI plantations struggled to compete globally?
Higher production costs and less mechanization
Slavery in the British Caribbean ended on
August 1st, 1834
Cattle reared in the VI(UK) were transported to market on .............
St. Thomas (Danish West Indies).
Exodus
The departure of a large number of people from a particular place.
Which of the following natural disasters frequently impacted the BVI's sugar industry?
Hurricanes and droughts
Why was beet sugar a major competitor to Caribbean cane sugar?
It was cheaper to produce, cheaper to transport-it was produced in Europe.
Apprenticeship in the VI(UK) started on ______ and ended on _________.
Start: August 1st, 1834
End: August 1st, 1838
The Cattle Tax Riot was suppressed by a militia from
St. Thomas(Danish West Indies)
Assent
Official approval given to a proposed law(bill).
What was the impact of the hurricane that struck the BVI in 1837?
Destruction of 17 sugar works.
How did the lack of mechanization affect the BVI's sugar plantations?
It increased production costs and inefficiency.
What was the period immediately following full emancipation know as?
The Peasantry.
Property belonging to Caucasian members of this denomination were left untouched by the rioters in 1853.
Methodist ministers
Petition
A formal written request asking an authority to take action.
Which external countries competed with the BVI in sugar production?
Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil
Why was sugar cultivation in the BVI difficult to sustain during the drought from 1837 to 1847?
Lack of water hampers the growth and health of the sugarcane, increasing the likelihood for disease and pests to impact the sugarcane.
List TWO islands that were not impacted by the cholera outbreak of 1853.
Salt and Beef Islands
what were the major contributing factors that led to the Cattle Tax Riot?
Proposed 50% cattle tax increase: In 1853, legislators proposed increasing the tax on cattle, threatening the income of farmers and traders.
Economic hardship: Many Virgin Islanders depended on livestock rearing and trading for their livelihoods.
Dissatisfaction with colonial authorities: Labourers believed the proposed tax would place an unfair burden on local residents.
Failure to resolve grievances: Initial attempts to challenge the proposed tax did not produce a satisfactory resolution.
Suppression
The use of authority or force to stop opposition or disorder.
What industry emerged in Europe as a competitor to Caribbean sugar?
Beet sugar industry
What role did global competition play in the decline of sugar cultivation in the BVI?
Global competition provided an alternate supply(competition) for European markets, when these supplies became cheaper, markets in Europe chose to purchase cheaper sugar from our 'competitors'.
List THREE islands VI(UK) Creoles travelled as migrant workers.
1. St. Thomas
2. Hispaniola-Dominican Republic
3. Vieques/Crab Island
4. St. Eustatius
Discuss the historical significance of the Cattle Tax Riot.
The events demonstrate how economic hardship, taxation and disagreements over government policies can contribute to social unrest.
They also highlight the efforts of local Virgin Islanders to defend their economic independence and influence decisions affecting their communities.