Polson, Donald (2011) The tolerated, the indulged and the contented : ethnic alliances and rivalries in Grenadian plantation society 1763-1800. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis examines how rival national interests and relations between European
states, principally France and Britain, affected ethnic relationships on the island of
Grenada, West Indies throughout the period of 1763-1800. The arguments postulated
are:
1. Imperial ideologies reinforced assumed superiority and right to rule that
relegated all other groups to inferior status.
2. An ethnic model rather than a racial model is the best way to study Grenada
plantation society.
3. The stigmatised in society fractured into ethnic groups, forming dynamic
relationships, not fixed structures, that were flexible to fit their needs,
value,s and beliefs.
4. The need to dominate or participate in that society coerced inter-ethnic
alliances across boundaries (considered anathema), creating reprisals from
the ruling group.
5. British government policies and officers‘ lack of leadership created a
vacuum for constitutional conflict and inter-ethnic internal feuding and
contributed to Fédon‘s revolt.
Chapter One is an introduction to outline the pre-history of the area of study to
explain differences between groups. It will outline the topography of the island,
explain the system of government, and describe the composition of the initial
resident population.
Chapter Two establishes the concepts ‗ethnicity‘ and ‗race‘ and its importance. The
European ethnic groups and their relationships are examined using this model. The
concept of ‗whiteness‘ is addressed and its external and internal effects. An
argument postulated is white hegemony existed as a fractious union where
coerced whites perceived to be complicit with Catholics, were targeted and socially
ostracised. Another important focus is the roles of governors and their relationships
and alliances with the planter class within society. The term Creole and their
standing vis-á-vis with European whites provides another layer within society in
conjunction with the critical delineation of social class across white groups in
society.
Chapter Three defines the concept of Coloured and the range of perceived physical
characteristics and legal differences, i.e., the concepts free and un-free. As the
largest social grouping the role of Africans is pivotal, viz. their place in society and
relationships with other groups. African differences are assessed, particularly the
Grenada Maroons and their position and interaction within society and with another
ethnic group, the Caribs.
Chapter Four examines the status of governors and employs a case study of the last
decade of Ninian Home: an examination of his character, lifestyle, his attempts to
became governor, political lobbying, relationship with his family, his administration
and how it contributed to the Fédon Rebellion.
Chapter Five summarises the thesis and explains how the postulated arguments are
met.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	F History United States, Canada, Latin America > F1201 Latin America (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Grenada -- History -- 18th century, Grenada -- Ethnic relations -- Political aspects, Plantations -- Grenada
Official Date:	October 2011
Dates:	Date Event October 2011 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for Caribbean Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Gilmore, John, 1956-
Extent:	358 leaves : ill.
Language:	eng

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