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Feb 14, 1492
Jamaica Land Discovered
In 1492, Jamaica was discovered by Europeans when Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World. -
Period: Feb 14, 1492 to
Historic Events in Jamaica
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Feb 14, 1509
Land Claimed
In 1509 the land of Jamaica was claimed by the Spanish. -
Land Seized
In 1655 the land of Jamaica is seized by the British. -
Treaty of Madrid
Jamaica is formally owned by the British. The land becomes the world's largest sugar exporting nation. -
Earthquake
The Jamaican capital Port Royal was destroyed by an earthquake, Spanish Town became the new capital and Kingston was founded. -
Slavery Abolished
In 1838 slavery was abolished. -
Morant Bay Rebellion
Freed slaves rebel against the British. -
New Constitution Adopted
In 1884 the British in Jamaica adopted a new constitution. -
WWI
A group of 500 men were sent to fight in WWI. -
PNP
The People's National Party is founded by Norman Manley. -
WWII
WWII took place from 1939-1945 -
Atomic Bomb
In August of 1945 the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki -
Federation of the West Indies
Jamaica becomes a member of the Federation of the West Indies. -
Federation
Jamaica withdrawals from the Federation of the West Indies -
Independence
Jamaica becomes independent, under prime minister Alexander Bustamante. -
New Money
First use of nickel coin in Jamaica. -
PNP
Michael Manley becomes prime minister for the PNP -
Substantial Aid
Edward Seaga becomes prime minister and the US grants the government substantial aid as the country distances itself from Cuba -
New Drug
Canasol a new drug used to treat glaucoma was introduced by Professor Manley West. -
Hurricane
Hurricane Gilbert devastates part of Jamaica. -
Prime Minister
Michael Manley returns as prime minister. -
Retirement
Michael Manley retires. -
Hurricane
Hurricane Ivan strikes in Jamaica. -
PNP
Portia Simpson Miller becomes the firsrt female PM in March. -
PNP
Bruce Goulding becomes PM of the PNP.
