Second Carib War facts for kids
The Second Carib War was a big conflict that happened on the island of Saint Vincent between 1795 and 1797. It was a fight for control of the island. On one side were many British soldiers. On the other side was a group made up of Black Carib people, enslaved people who had escaped, and French forces.
What Led to the War?
The First Carib War happened earlier, from 1769 to 1773. That war was about the British trying to build more settlements in areas where the Black Carib people lived. It ended in a tie, and the peace agreement wasn't very good for either side.
Later, during the American War of Independence, France took control of Saint Vincent in 1779. But the island was given back to Britain in 1783 as part of the Treaty of Paris (1783).
How the War Started and Progressed
The Carib people had been unhappy with the British government on the island for a long time. They started the Second Carib War in March 1795. They also had support from French advisors who were part of the French Revolutionary Wars.
The Caribs quickly took control of most of the island. The only area they couldn't capture was around Kingstown, the main town. British soldiers arrived to help defend Kingstown, and it managed to stop several attacks.
The British tried to move into the island's inner areas and the windy eastern side. However, they faced many problems. Their efforts were often stopped by mistakes, sickness, and the strong defenses of the Carib people. Some French troops also arrived to help the Caribs, making their defenses even stronger.
The End of the Conflict
Finally, a large military group led by General Ralph Abercromby arrived. They managed to defeat the Carib resistance in 1797. After the war, the Carib people were forced to leave Saint Vincent. They were sent to the island of Roatán, which is off the coast of what is now Honduras. There, they became known as the Garifuna people.
