Dominica is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and is thus named The Nature Isle of the Caribbean. But how has it remained free from corruption and retained its natural beauty. Dominica history may hold some of the answers.

French Colonization

The French made an attempt on Dominica in 1635 but unfortunately was unable to hold a firm grip upon the island. Constant incursions ensured they were to give up any hopes they had of civilization on the island and thus Dominica history was left firmly to the native people for the following century. Some ground had been recovered by the start of the 18th century as British and French harvesters traveled to the area to chop timber. The French and British had previously agreed not to tackle the island.

After the Seven Years War the island fell into French hands. Its geographical location had a part to play in Dominica history as it's sandwiched right between two French territories. However, the Treaty of Paris made sure the British would have their hands firmly on the territory and French invasions failed with no land being recovered.

Political Changes in Dominica

A strange and possibly unjust period of Dominica's past saw the British introduce a legislative system built exclusively for white people. The world was changing during this period and for those living in Dominica at this time; the change was more than welcome. Dominica was the first territory to adopt a legislative force to include former slaves. Due to immense land ownership, the wealthy, white upper classes still had the majority of power but this was shifting. Things were certainly better rounded by the start of the 19th century.

The lack of representation and political progress in Dominica led to an upsurge and a popular movement party took one third of all elected seats. Half of the seats in the national assembly were elected and the other half were appointed. This was increased over the subsequent years leading up to 1936 to one half of the seats.

Political unrest led to Dominica moving off in a new direction. It was there fourth no longer dependent upon the British Empire. Whatever problems the country had in terms of its politics were certainly blown out of the lime light when the island was struck by two hurricanes at the close of the 1970s.

Economic Development in Dominica History

1980s Dominica history came along with an attempt to overthrow the government, but this was unsuccessful. The FBI was tipped off and soon halted the rebels' plans. Things were generally much better for the island after this point and Dominica was painted yellow like a banana. They were sold in their thousands by the island and their economy became dependent upon those little yellow fruits. They had a slump in the 1990s but recovered from this.

Politics on the island were fairly stable and very democratic from this point and there have been no major shocks since. Dominica history is a rich and lively sequence of events which encompasses a shaky start and a few mishaps along the way. It remains a fascinating island and its history is equally as arresting. It is not hard to see why the island is so beautiful and it must have taken a huge effort to keep it in such a fine condition. Natural beauty twinned with scattered human conflict is really quite the paradox, but a beautiful one nonetheless.