Introduction Jamaica, from the Arawak Indian word Xaymaca, meaning "land of springs" or "land of wood and water", became a colony of Spain in 1494. ... The British seizure of Jamaica was a direct consequence of the increasing involvement by the British crown in matters of colonization, and Jamaica became an early and vital link in the British overseas empire. ... Jamaica Prior to 1494 Prior to the arrival of Columbus, the islands of the West Indies were inhabited by two distinct races of Indians. ... Upon reaching Jamaica, he immediately instituted the very same system of slavery tha...

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• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: Undergraduate