First Maroon War

Quick Facts: Who was First Maroon War?

Subject:

First Maroon War

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Anti-British revolt in Jamaica (c. 1728–1740) fought by self-liberated Maroon communities.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The First Maroon War was a conflict between the Jamaican Maroons and the colonial British authorities that started around 1728 and continued until the peace treaties of 1739 and 1740. It was led by self-liberated Africans who set up communities in the mountains. The name "Maroon" was given to these Africans, and for many years they fought the British colonial Government of Jamaica for their freedom. The maroons were skilled in guerrilla warfare. The war was followed about half a century later by the Second Maroon War.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1655, the English defeated the Spanish colonists and took control of most of the Colony of Jamaica. After the Spanish fled, Africans that had previously been enslaved joined the Amerindian population, and some others who had previously escaped slavery, in the centre of Jamaica to form the Windward Maroon communities. The area is known as the Blue Mountains. The white population on the island of Jamaica boomed between 1655 and 1661, swelling to roughly 12,000 white inhabitants. In 1662, however, only a little over 3,000 remained.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The white-to-enslaved population ratio shifted in the following decades, leaving a majority of enslaved people and very few white settlers. British forces were unable to establish control over the whole island, so a large portion remained in the hands of the Maroons, particularly in the rugged interior. For 76 years, there were periodic skirmishes between the British and the Maroons, alongside occasional revolts from enslaved people. In 1673, a revolt of 200 enslaved Africans in St. Ann Parish created a separate group, the Leeward Maroons. According to one source, these Maroons united with a group of Malagasy people who had survived a shipwreck and formed their own maroon community in the parish of St. George in northeastern Jamaica.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1655: 1655 Milestone — In 1655, the English defeated the Spanish colonists and took control of most of the Colony of Jamaica.
2. 1662: 1662 Milestone — In 1662, however, only a little over 3,000 remained.
3. 1673: 1673 Milestone — In 1673, a revolt of 200 enslaved Africans in St.
4. 1728: 1728 Milestone — The First Maroon War was a conflict between the Jamaican Maroons and the colonial British authorities that started around 1728 and continued until the peace treaties of 1739 and 1740.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: First Maroon War

True or False: “The peace treaties signed in 1739–1740 granted the Maroons complete sovereignty over all their lands.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty terms largely favored British interests, granting the Maroons limited autonomy only in exchange for cooperation with the colonial system of slavery.

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Frequently Asked Questions about First Maroon War