West Indies Federation

A short-lived 1958–1962 political union of British Caribbean colonies.

Quick Facts: Who was West Indies Federation?

Subject:
West Indies Federation
Known for:
A short-lived 1958–1962 political union of British Caribbean colonies.
Verified Source:
2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The West Indies Federation, also known as the West Indies, the Federation of the West Indies or the West Indian Federation, was a short-lived political union that existed from 3 January 1958 to 31 May 1962. Various islands in the Caribbean that were part of the British Empire, including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, and those on the Leeward and Windward Islands, came together to form the Federation, with its capital in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Career & Major Achievements

The expressed intention of the Federation was to create a political unit that would become independent from Britain as a single state – possibly similar to Australia, Canada, or Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Before that could happen, the Federation collapsed due to internal political conflicts over how it would be governed or function viably following the results of the Jamaican political referendum on participation.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The formation of a West Indian Federation was encouraged by the United Kingdom, but also requested by pan-Caribbean nationalists.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

  1. 1958: 1958 Milestone — The West Indies Federation, also known as the West Indies, the Federation of the West Indies or the West Indian Federation, was a short-lived political union that existed from 3 January 1958 to 31 May 1962.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: West Indies Federation

True or False: “The West Indies Federation was intended to be a permanent, single independent state for the entire Caribbean region.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The primary expressed intention behind the Federation's creation was to form a unified political unit that could achieve independence from Britain as a single, cohesive state.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

  • Abhijeet Bhattacharya — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Veteran Indian playback singer known for Hindi, Bengali, and diverse regional music.
  • Alec Baldwin — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
  • A. K. Fazlul Huq — Historical peer (Died in 1962) (1962): Pakistani statesman and jurist, known as Sher-e-Bangla, a founding father of Pakistan.
  • Abdullah II of Jordan — Historical peer (Born in 1962) (1962): King of Jordan, a Hashemite monarch who assumed the throne in 1999.

Frequently Asked Questions about West Indies Federation

Who was West Indies Federation and what are their primary contributions?

A short-lived 1958–1962 political union of British Caribbean colonies. Origins & Early Life: The West Indies Federation, also known as the West Indies, the Federation of the West Indies or the West Indian Federation, was a short-lived political union that existed from 3 January 1958 to 31 May 1962. Various islands in the Caribbean that were part of the British Empire, including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, and those on the Leeward and Windward Islands, came together to form the Federation, with its capital in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on West Indies Federation?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia.