The West India Interest

The West India Interest refers to the economic and political concerns of stakeholders involved in the Caribbean region, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. This group included plantation owners, merchants, and other businesspeople who profited from agriculture, particularly sugar, in West Indian colonies. Their interests often influenced British policies, as they pushed for favorable trade agreements, labor practices, and protection against competitors. The term reflects the broader impact of colonialism and the interplay between regional economies and imperial politics during that era. Understanding this concept helps to grasp the historical significance of the Caribbean in global trade dynamics.