The period to an establishment of the British colonial mode. According to archaeological data, the island Dominica has been occupied in 4 thousand B.C. In the beginning of our era on him there lived the Indians-Arawaks attending to agriculture. After 14 centuries they were expelled by aggressive Indians - kariby which made devastating attacks on other islands of West Indies. Dominica became one of main strong points of these people. Caribbean Islands named island Uai-tukubuli.
For Europeans the island has been open by Christopher Columbus on November, 3rd 1493, during its second swimming. As it was Sunday, the seafarer has named the opening "Dominica" ("Sunday"). Ship doctor Columbus has written down, that the island has seemed to Spaniards pleasing an eye, "beautiful and very green". Not having managed to find convenient harbour, expedition was directed further, but has kept at coast of Dominica a vessel for rekognostsirovki. To it has had the luck to find on the western coast a bay which nowadays is called Prins-Rupert (there now there is a city of Portsmouth). To descend on coast Europeans have not risked, and, frightened by aggressive reputation karibov, have floated further.
Later to Dominica navedyvalis the Spanish vessels repeatedly destroying settlements of Indians, having terrible reputation "kannibalov" (the word occurs from deformed "karib"). Spanish, and then and the French missionaries and did not manage to pay inhabitants of island in Christianity.
Because of inaccessibility of coast and persistent resistance of Indians to any attempts of grab to Europeans long it was not possible to establish the power over Dominica. Only in 1632 on it there were the first French poselentsy, but already in 1640 kariby have crushed their settlements. Then for island struggle between England and France has begun; Englishmen tried to seize island and were severely straightened with local residents. They applied for Dominica with 1627 when the English king has granted on it the patent the column to Carlisle.
In 1727 on Dominica 50-60 French families which have attended to mainly wood craft, by extraction of wood of valuable breeds, and also cultivation of tobacco, spices and a clap with use of work of the African slaves were justified. In 1750th years on the earths, otkuplennyh the first plantations of a sugar cane have appeared Frenchmen at karibov. French poselentsy have imported on island of coffee and have transformed it into the major subject of export.
According to Ahensky agreement 1748, Dominica admitted "neutral" island, possession living on him karibov. However already in 1756 Englishmen have seized island, and on the Parisian world 1763 it has been recognised by the British colony.
As a part of the British colonial empire. The British authorities have directed on island of commissioners which surveyed the earths and defined, what of them are suitable for processing, and also organised their sale. Two forts - Roseau and Portsmouth have been constructed. In 1764 British power have carried out island section on sektory: in one of them karibam allocated a reservation on the poor earths with the area of 94 hectares, other earths have been sold in London. It has brought to royal treasury the sum of more than 312 thousand pounds sterling. But new holders long could not enter possession of the purchased earths because of armed resistance karibov and fluent slaves. The majority French poselentsev was saved by the earths in exchange for an oath of fidelity and payment of the small rent. They continued to attend to agriculture. The sugar cane has soon superseded coffee.
To 1771 Dominica coped the British governor, the general also for islands Grenadas, Saint Vincent and Tobago. In 1771 it it has been allocated in separate possession led by governor William Young. On June, 21st 1775, under the royal decree, on Dominica the House of Representatives selected the population has been founded. However all completeness of the power has been concentrated in hands of the British governor. On September, 7th 1778, during war for independence of the USA, island have taken the French armies. They were invited by the governor of Martinique of marchionesses de Buje which has headed expedition. Persistent resistance of Englishmen has been broken. Marquis Mari-Charles de SHillo, become famous for the severe and tyrannical board became the governor of Dominica. In 1781 Roseaus has burnt down during a fire. However the French power has held on not for long. In April 1782 British fleet under command of an admiral of Relatives nagolovu has crushed the French ships in marine fight at islands Le-Sent. Under the Versailles peace treaty 1783 France has returned Dominica to the Great Britain. On island British governor John Bart (1784-1789) has affirmed.
New collision for Dominica has occurred in 1795, when on it profits from Guadeloupe the French republican armies led by commissioner Victor Jugom. Intrusion attempt has failed. Desperate and well-organised resistance under the guidance of governor Henry Gamiltona (1794-1796) has forced a part of the French group to recede, and other - to be handed over.
Crumbling of prices on sugar has led to that by the end of 18 centuries its production on Dominica almost has completely ceased and was not reinstated any more. Position was so heavy, that many planters began to sell the possession for the scanty prices or even to throw them. But at this particular time production of citrus, especially lajma, the great value which has received subsequently here has begun. In 1805, in Napoleonic wars, on Dominica the fourthousandth group of French general Lja Granzha has landed. It has taken items round Roseau. Regular parts and civil guardsmen resisted persistently, but in vain. Roseau has lighted up and has been compelled to capitulate, having paid the contribution in 12 thousand pounds. Governor George Prevo (1802-1805) together with the British parts and civil guardsmen has receded to Portsmouth. Frenchmen were evacuated after 5 days of occupation. Viennese agreement 1815 has fixed island to the Great Britain. In 1833 Dominica was together with Antigua and other territories it is switched on in structure British the general of a-governorship Leeward Islands. On island it was represented by the vice-governor at whom the Legislative Council operated. As bodies of representation of local interests there was a meeting Chamber.
Up to slavery cancellation in 1838 on island work of slaves was widely used. In 19 centuries excitements and anticolonial revolts repeatedly flashed. In 1844 there was a large popular uprising (so-called "Negro war"); it has been severely suppressed.
In 1865-1866 British power have united the elective House of Representatives and the Legislative Council in new Legislative Assembly. Management of Dominica was carried out by the British officers: in 1872-1894 president, and with 1894 - the manager.
In 1880 island has gone through volcanic eruption. Ashes fell on houses in capital of Dominica - Roseau. The country was one of the poorest possession of the Great Britain in West Indies. In 1893 on island there were large excitements. The population of district the La-captivity on Navetrennoj to the party of Dominica has rebelled against collection of taxes. The police and the group of marines landed from the military ship "Mogavk", have been thrown by stones. The British forces have opened fire, that has caused numerous a victim. Revolt have suppressed. On island the commission of inquiry led by the former governor of Tasmania of the river Hamilton has departed. In 1897 the royal commission has been sent to West Indies for studying of a status of colonies. On its recommendations, the British parliament has decided in 1898 to allocate 15 thousand pounds sterling for needs of road building on island.
Control system have a little changed. The Legislative Assembly in 1898 has been abolished, and Dominica is transformed in koronnuju a colony. At the British manager the Legislative Council which consisted only of quoted members was established.
The island economic situation has a little improved after has extended productions lajma. In 1893 Scot Laflin Rose has purchased on Dominica the thrown plantation of a sugar cane and has started to cultivate lajm in large quantities. To 1924 its company has so grown rich, that could acquire even large plantations in Africa.
About 1928 island heavy economic depression has again captured; trade was reduced. The authorities of Dominica some times addressed to the British government with the request for the help. Thanks to it, position managed to be improved a little.
About 1924 part of members of the Legislative Council it was selected, and about 1936 selected have gained the majority in advice. On January, 1st 1940 Dominica has been separated from Leeward Islands and switched on in structure of a colony of island Navetrennye (with the centre on Grenada). After the Second World War in the British possession of West Indies independence requests have amplified. On September, 29th 1951 Great Britain has been compelled to instal the new constitution of Dominica which established a principle of the general suffrage. On island were established the Legislative Council which majority of members were selected, and Executive advice led by the British governor (in its absence - the manager). 3 selected members of the Legislative Council entered Into an executive office also. In 1958 Dominica it has been switched on in structure of the Vest-Indsky federation which have existed to 1962.
In 1950 on Dominica there were political parties, and the party system began to function. In 1960 the government has been generated; the representative of Incorporated people party became the main minister Frenk Beron. In 1961 to the power the Labour party of Dominica (LPD) has come, and Edward Oliver Le Blan became the main minister.
The island economic situation remains difficult. In 1955 hurricane has fallen upon it "Dzhenet" from which cocoa plantations have hardly suffered. In 1963 and 1966 hurricanes have caused a damage to plantations of bananas. Emigration of inhabitants of Dominica to the Great Britain, the USA and Canada has essentially increased. Only to the Great Britain in 1960 1872 persons, in 1961 - 1672 more have moved. First of all, it were qualified workers, and their outflow has aggravated economic problems of the Caribbean island.
Disorder of Vest-Indsky federation and failure of plans of association with Barbados have forced the British authorities to search for new political decisions. In April-May 1966 in London there has passed conference on which the Great Britain and its Caribbean possession have co-ordinated granting last the status assotsiirovannyh the states.
In 1967 Dominica has received the statehood, assotsiirovannogo with the Great Britain. The British crown has been presented by the governor, but all completeness of internal management passed to inhabitants of Dominica. The Great Britain saved authorities in the field of foreign affairs and defence. The government of Dominica was headed by the prime minister (it became E.O. Le Blan). The island acquired a right at any moment to terminate the agreement on association and to proclaim the complete independence.
Before general election in meeting Chamber correcting LPD has broken up. The fraction of prime minister Le Blana has received 8 places, competing fraction LPD - 1, and conservative party of freedom of Dominica - 2. In 1974 new prime minister of the country there was leader LPD Patrick of the river John (1974-1979). LPD has gained a convincing victory on elections in meeting Chamber in 1975, having won 16 of 21 places, subject to election. Government LPD pursued a policy of attraction of foreign investments and aspired to grant investors the maximum benefits. The agriculture was under the control of branches of the American company "JUnajted brendz" and English "Gist indastriz".
On November, 3rd 1978 Dominica has been proclaimed completely by an independent state - republic led by the president. The Prime minister of an inland state there was leader LPD Patrick John. An independent state. Finding of independence has not brought the decision of sharp social and economic problems of island. The policy of the government called growing discontent of trade unions and the left oppositional groups.
In the beginning 1979 prime minister P.John carried on negotiations from the republic of South Africa for reception of loans in exchange for building on Dominica oil refining factory which would supply the republic of South Africa with petroleum. There were negotiations with the American firm about lease of significant territory for a structure of a free port, hotels and a casino. Resistance of the public has broken these plans.
The government has developed two administration bills which forbade strikes of workers of public sector and criticism of the authorities in the press. In the answer on May, 29th 1979 five largest trade unions have organised a protest march including more than 15 thousand persons. Demonstration has been fired by police; were present killed and wounded men. The indignant trade unions and opposition declared a general strike, requiring P.John's resignation and democratisation of a political life on island. The Committee of national rescue led by oppositional labour figure Oliverom Serafinom has been formed. The big role in the organisation of performances was played by the left groups, including the Committee of national independence achieving an establishment of relations with Cuba. After 25 days of a general strike the government has left on June, 21st in resignation. The president of Dominica Frederik Degazon (1979-1980) ran from the country. In connection with May events the Great Britain has given up to Dominica in an eaid promised after declaration of independence.
Not to admit left to the power, oppositional circles of labourites, the Consignment of freedom of Dominica (PSD) and other forces have agreed about sformirovanii provisional government for preparation of early election. It was headed by O.Serafin who has created the Democratic Labour party of Dominica (DLPD). The USA have delivered for help granting in connection with catastrophic consequences of hurricane "David" in August 1979 number of political conditions. The American companies promised to enclose in a national economy of 20 million dollars. In exchange for political compromise, has helped with restoration of an economy and France.
On general election in June 1980 the right party of freedom of Dominica (17 of 21 places) has won, and its leader Mary Judzhinija Charles became the prime minister of Dominica (1980-1995). It was the advocate of a free enterprise which, in its opinion, was the unique form of economic development and the decision of problems of national revival. Two attempts of revolution in 1981 have appeared unsuccessful. Aspiring to receive has more help from the USA, M.J.Charlz's government has gone on political, economic and ideological rapprochement from the USA. Simultaneously it tried to achieve a recognition of this rate within the limits of formed with the participation Grenada in 1981 Organizations of the East Caribbean states and created in 1982 regional military unions. In 1983 Dominica has acted as one of initiators of the American intervention on Grenada. The country government welcomed "the Caribbean initiative" US president Ronald Reagan, having expressed at the same time disappointment in the sizes of the means allocated with this program for needs of the countries of Caribbean basin.
Thanks to the large loans received at the International currency fund and other foreign creditors, the authorities it was possible to increase some rates of economic growth, to bring down unemployment and slow down rates of inflation. The government has distributed an earth part between small land owners and has taken steps aside diversifikatsii economy.
PSD has won on general election in 1985 (16 places) and 1990 (11 places). Main opposition party in 1990 became the Incorporated workers' party of Dominica (ORPD).
Economic difficulties were in the early nineties reinstated. In April 1994 discontent with a policy of the government has called the mass demonstrations which have led to an establishment of state of emergency for a period of 30 days. In 1995 M.J.Charlz by which 75 years were executed, has retired from a post of leader PSD. It was replaced by Bryan Elejn. However on elections in June 1995 PSD has suffered shattering defeat: on its share 4 places in meeting Chamber have got only. Has won ORPD (11 places), and its leader Edison James has held a post of the prime minister of Dominica (1995-2000). LPD 5 places have got.
In 1995 national economy the significant loss has been caused: its infrastructure and banana plantations have hardly suffered from hurricanes "Lewis" and "Merilin". E.Dzhejmsa's government has taken measures on economy improvement. In 1997 World Trade Organization has cancelled a special quota of EU on deliveries of bananas from the countries of the Caribbean region, that also has struck on export of Dominica.
Government ORPD has gone in 1996 on an establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba. However the country internal policy remained invariable. In 1996 government the decision on revision of the constitution 1978, first of all, has made of the articles, concerning sharing of the state in economy, towards its reduction. In published in 1998 report of the Constitutional commission it was offered to change articles of the constitution concerning functions of the Commission of public services (public services should be cut essentially down).
Elections 2000 have not given a victory of any of consignments. In these conditions LPD has preferred to generate in February 2000 coalition government, having switched on in it representatives PSD (on posts of ministers of tourism and communication). The leader of labourites Roosevelt Duglas became the Prime minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, national security, immigration and work. In the past he considered itself(himself) as the adherent of Marxist ideology, headed radical Committee of national independence and even has been compelled to leave island, however in 1980 has passed to moderate social democratic items.
The government of the river of Douglas promised to involve investments, to strengthen economic growth and a private sector. The rivers Douglass has declared also aspiration to achieve acceptance of Dominica in EU.
In October 2000 after death of the river of Douglas the post of the prime minister was taken by Pierre Charles. With 2004 prime minister of Dominica - Roosevelt Skerrit.
