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Getting to know my island

Antigua History


Antigua was colonized by English settlers in 1632 and continued to be under British ruling. Over the years Antigua was continuously attacked by outside island settlers. Tobacco was the prominent crop grown for trade and money until they learned that sugar was more profitable. The increase of sugar being made caused them to get slaves from Africa. Which later influences the culture of Antigua.

Political Events 

After slavery being abolished in 1834, the economy of Antigua began to take a turn for the worst. Since there was no longer any slavery as a source of income there were many revolts to try to fix the economy. For example, the Antigua Trades Labor Union was created by workers and peasants around this time.


Antigua Culture

Many of the people on the island are Afro-Antiguan because of the slavery in the early years. Antigua cultural heritage is a mix of African heritage and colonialism causing the high spirited and energetic culture.  They have many carnivals, opera events, and are very horticultural. The people in Antigua also have a lack of variety of food because of their economy in the past and their dependency on sugar cane  being their income. Causing most of their food being imported from America and Britain. 

Issues caused by topics

The culture of Antigua was caused by their history and political events because it shaped the people of Antigua. The history of Antigua has also caused issues because slavery was a major part of their history and when it was abolished it caused many economic problems. 

Sources
Virtual Caribbean. Georgia Gwinnett College, https://ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/antigua-and-barbuda/. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.
Antigua Nice, A Rich Culture, http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/islandguide. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021
The editors of encyclopedia Britannica. Britannica.  https://www.britannica.com/place/Leeward-Islands. Accessed 13 Feb. 2021


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