Key Takeaways
- The West Indies Federation was a short-lived political union of several Caribbean islands in the early 1960s.
- The map of the West Indies Federation showcases the geographical boundaries and member countries of this federation.
- Despite its dissolution, the West Indies Federation played a significant role in Caribbean history and regional cooperation.
History of the West Indies Federation
The West Indies Federation was established on January 3, 1958, with the aim of creating a political union among British territories in the Caribbean region. The federation included ten member countries:
- Jamaica
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Barbados
- Antigua
- Dominica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent
- Grenada
The federation aimed to promote economic integration, political cooperation, and cultural unity among its member countries. It had its capital in the city of Chaguaramas, Trinidad.
Unique Insights
- The West Indies Federation was one of the first attempts at creating a political union in the Caribbean region during the post-colonial era.
- The federation faced challenges regarding the distribution of power between larger and smaller member countries.
- Despite the dissolution of the federation in 1962, it paved the way for regional organizations like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which was established in 1973.
Table: Key Facts
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1958 | The West Indies Federation is established with its headquarters in Chaguaramas, Trinidad. |
| 1962 | The West Indies Federation is dissolved, leading to the independence of its member countries. |
| 1973 | The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is established, building upon the ideals of the West Indies Federation. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What was the purpose of the West Indies Federation?
The West Indies Federation aimed to create a political union among British territories in the Caribbean to promote economic integration, political cooperation, and cultural unity.
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Why did the West Indies Federation dissolve?
The West Indies Federation faced challenges regarding power distribution between smaller and larger member countries, and ultimately dissolved in 1962.
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What was the capital of the West Indies Federation?
The capital of the West Indies Federation was Chaguaramas, located in Trinidad.
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How many member countries were part of the West Indies Federation?
The West Indies Federation consisted of ten member countries.
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What organizations were established following the dissolution of the West Indies Federation?
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established in 1973, building upon the ideals of the West Indies Federation.
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When was the West Indies Federation established?
The West Indies Federation was established on January 3, 1958.
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Which were the largest member countries of the West Indies Federation?
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were the largest member countries of the West Indies Federation.
External Links
LSI Keywords
- West Indies Federation map
- Caribbean political union
- Chaguaramas, Trinidad
- Regional cooperation in the Caribbean
- British territories in the Caribbean
- Postcolonial era in the Caribbean
- Integration and cooperation among Caribbean countries
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)