In Jamaica and Canada, modern-day attitudes towards power and ambition are the result of certain institutions that were imposed in the early colony. Though both countries were colonized by the British, the different economic models that the colonies imposed have had very apparent and differing consequences. Jamaica's economy depended heavily on the sugar plantations that were developed by the British. Canada's early economy depended on the fur trade. The outcome of these past economic models continues to impact everyday life in these countries.
England gained formal possession of Jamaica from Spain in 1670 through the Treaty of Madrid. Removing the pressing need for constant defense against Spanish attack, this change served as an incentive to planting. Thereafter it was a largely agricultural British colony peopled mainly by black peasants and workers.
Production of cane sugar became the economic and political strength of the Jamaican British Colony. …
