First Carib War

Quick Facts: Who was First Carib War?

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First Carib War

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A military conflict (1769–1773) between the Kalinago and expanding British colonial forces in St. Vincent.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The First Carib War (1769–1773) was a military conflict between the Kalinago inhabitants of Saint Vincent and British military forces supporting British efforts at colonial expansion on the island. St. Vincent was subject to multiple colonisation attempts by Britain and France throughout the early 18th century, with efforts primarily focused on establishing plantation settlements. Along with Dominica and Tobago, St. Vincent was ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Paris (1763) and placed under the joint-authority of Governor Robert Melvill. Under Melvill and his successor, William Leyborne Leyborne, the islands saw considerable advancement in their economies, and land acquisition became a driving force in island policy, putting them at odds with their respective native populations. Relations between the British and Garifuna broke down in 1769 when a survey party supported by the 32nd Regiment was taken hostage, having crossed into Garifuna land to construct roads.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Concerned that further encroachment could lead to an invasion, Garifuna leaders under Joseph Chatoyer made contact with the French government in Martinique, where they negotiated the sale of weapons. In September of that year the crew of an American ship were massacred when it went aground. Supplied with firearms from the nearby French islands, the Garifunas in particular became a problem for British colonial ambitions in the region, and in November 1770 three infantry regiments were shipped out from Cork to the West Indies to protect planters in Dominica, St. Vincent and Tobago. In late 1771 a letter was intercepted by Sir William Young confirming ties between the Garifunas and the Governor of Martinique. Frustrated by the deadlock, in 1772 Governor William Leyborne Leyborne requested aid from Britain, and was answered by the colonial secretary, Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Despite concerns of the approaching hurricane season being raised by the secretary for war, William Barrington, 2nd Viscount Barrington, plans were drawn to rapidly re-deploy several regiments to the island with the intention of swiftly crushing resistance. As the Summer approached, the garrison on St. Vincent was bolstered by additional companies of the 32nd, 68th and 70th Regiments, being redeployed from Dominica, Antigua and Grenada, respectively. Additionally, the 6th and 14th Regiments were deployed from the Province of Massachusetts under orders from General Thomas Gage. Admiral Robert Mann was tasked with leading a Royal Navy squadron to the island to cut off any communication with Martinique. Under orders from Major-General William Dalrymple, the invasion began in September, with the main force pushing north from Kingstown and supported by additional beach landings further up the coast, including at Grand Sable Bay, now Georgetown.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1763: 1763 Milestone — Vincent was ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Paris (1763) and placed under the joint-authority of Governor Robert Melvill.
2. 1769: 1769 Milestone — The First Carib War (1769–1773) was a military conflict between the Kalinago inhabitants of Saint Vincent and British military forces supporting British efforts at colonial expansion on the island.
3. 1770: 1770 Milestone — Supplied with firearms from the nearby French islands, the Garifunas in particular became a problem for British colonial ambitions in the region, and in November 1770 three infantry regiments were shipped out from Cork to the West Indies to protect planters in Dominica, St.
4. 1771: 1771 Milestone — In late 1771 a letter was intercepted by Sir William Young confirming ties between the Garifunas and the Governor of Martinique.
5. 1772: 1772 Milestone — Frustrated by the deadlock, in 1772 Governor William Leyborne Leyborne requested aid from Britain, and was answered by the colonial secretary, Wills Hill, 1st Marquess of Downshire.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: First Carib War

True or False: “Did the initial conflict arise solely from disputes over trade routes with French colonies?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The conflict began due to British survey parties crossing into Garifuna land to construct roads, leading to immediate tension.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alexandre Brongniart — Historical peer (Born in 1770) (1770): Pioneering French scientist in chemistry, geology, and mineralogy.
• Antoine-Jean Gros — Historical peer (Born in 1771) (1771): Master French painter known for dramatic historical and portraiture works.
• Archduke Charles, Duke of Teschen — Historical peer (Born in 1771) (1771): Austrian Field Marshal, celebrated general, and reformer during the Napoleonic Era.

Frequently Asked Questions about First Carib War