20th century transitions
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The late 19th century brought improvements in communications by telegraph cables and travel via steam ships. These many advances helped to make tourism a defining element of Caribbean life, with Americans and Canadians visiting the islands to escape the long northern winters.
During the First World War, Caribbean people travelled abroad to serve with British armed forces alongside other members of the Empire. Initially, West Indians volunteered, but were rejected by the British authorities. As the war progressed, the volunteers were accepted but were often given menial jobs and were posted to battles outside Europe. The various islands also gave money and local products for the war effort. Also, some islands maintained prisoner of war camps in which German civilians and sailors were held.
Political and labour changes swept through the islands in the form of Pan-Africanism, nationalism, Garveyism, and unionisation. From Jamaica to Trinidad black intellectuals and everyday people challenged local social and political establishments by fighting for changes in their constitutions and the right to vote.
It was also a time of massive reform of towns and government institutions. Businessmen, smugglers and merchants alike took advantage of the economic opportunities open to them. Cartels existed on some islands, and Bahamas was used by Americans to consume and buy alcohol during Prohibition.
The Caribbean is home to both a rich heritage and diverse mix of people. It is a centre of modern migration, resulting in a large diaspora in America, Britain, and Canada.
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Map showing newly proposed telegraphic cables. West Indies, 1895 Cat ref: CO 318/284/19 f 139 Crown Copyright.
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Headed paper from the Myrtle Bank Hotel, Constant Spring Company. Jamaica, 1900 Cat ref: CO 318/300/133 f 858
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Telegram giving permission to recruit candidates not of 'pure European descent' to British West Indies Regiment. Barbados, 1917 Cat ref: CO 28/292/37 f 186 Crown Copyright.
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Despatch regarding naturalisation application from Mr. Sally Wolffsohn, extract. British Honduras [Belize], 1914 Cat ref: CO 123/279/69 f 384 Crown Copyright.
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Photograph of German prisoners of war held on Ports Island. Bermuda 1918 Cat ref: CO 37/262/69
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![Photograph of housing and people in a 'slum' [Hyndman's Village]. Antigua, 1914. Cat ref: CO 152/340/23 f 145. Crown Copyright.](popups/twentieth-century/small/Co152_340_23-.jpg)
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Photograph of housing and people in a 'slum' [Hyndman's Village]. Antigua, 1914 Cat ref: CO 152/340/23 f 145 Crown Copyright.
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Photograph of The Market, Plymouth in Montserrat, 1914 Cat ref: CO 152/341/25 f 179 Crown Copyright.
