Caribbean political history

Caribbean political history involves a journey from indigenous communities to European colonization by Spain, Britain, France, and the Netherlands, shaping diverse societies. Many islands were exploited for their resources and enslaved Africans and indentured laborers were brought to work on plantations. Following World War II, movements for independence grew stronger, leading most islands to gain sovereignty from colonial powers—often through negotiations or struggles. Today, the region features a mix of parliamentary democracies and constitutional monarchies, with a focus on balancing economic development, cultural identity, and regional cooperation within organizations like CARICOM.