Table of Contents
What are the effects of the sugar revolution?
The Sugar Revolution, as it is called, had momentous social, economic, and political consequences. The elite in Barbados chose a form of sugar production that yielded the greatest level of profit—but at great social cost. They decided to establish large sugarcane plantations, cultivated by oppressed labourers…
When did the sugar revolution begin in the Caribbean?
The ‘sugar revolution’ concept is commonly used to characterize the transformation of society and economy that occurred in the English and French West Indies in the middle of the seventeenth century.
How was sugar made in the Caribbean?
Between 1766 and 1791, the British West Indies produced over a million tons of sugar. Growing sugar was hard, labour-intensive work. Sugar was produced in the following way: The ground had to be dug, hoed, weeded, planted and then fertilised with manure, all under the hot West Indian sun.
How did the British Empire affect the Caribbean?
It also disrupted trade and brought severe hardship and famine to various parts of the Caribbean. In this particular war the English (or British as they had become after 1707) came out slightly ahead of the French when they were able to evict the French colonies from the long disputed St. Kitts island.
Why was sugar so successful in the Caribbean?
Early sugar plantations made extensive use of slaves because sugar was considered a cash crop that exhibited economies of scale in cultivation; it was most efficiently grown on large plantations with many workers. Slaves from Africa were imported and made to work on the plantations.
What caused the change from tobacco to sugar?
The sugar revolution was the change from tobacco to sugar in the Caribbean . This transformation was caused by a fall in tobacco sales leading to the need for a new crop. During the 17th century, Europe needed a sweetner and hence the colonizers chose to move from tobacco to sugar.
How did the Sugar Revolution change the Caribbean?
kyla felix November 21, 2019. The sugar revolution was the change from tobacco to sugar in the Caribbean . This transformation was caused by a fall in tobacco sales leading to the need for a new crop. During the 17th century, Europe needed a sweetner and hence the colonizers chose to move from tobacco to sugar.
What was the change from tobacco to sugar?
The sugar revolution refers to the drastic change from tobacco to sugar in the 1600s. COLLEEN WILLIAMS February 16, 2019. the sugar revolution was the change from tobacco to sugar. Madia james Madia james February 20, 2019. The sugar revolution was the change from tobacco to sugar as the main cash crop in the caribbean.
How did the Sugar Revolution affect small farmers?
Sugar required large plots of land and hordes of cheap labour. The rise of the sugar industry was the signal for the dispossession of small farmers. There were still a few farmers who made a living off tobacco but when islands changed to sugar the price of tobacco fell and 10 acres of land was no longer enough to ensure a reasonable livelihood.
Why did Europeans move to the Caribbean in the 17th century?
During the 17th century, Europe needed a sweetner and hence the colonizers chose to move from tobacco to sugar. The change to sugar meant that larger plantations were needed than those used for tobacco production. Larger acres of land meant more workers would be needed and so the African people were introduced to the Caribbean.