Grenada history
Early times
By AD 300, the Arawak Indians from South America have settled throughout the Caribbean. They are driven out by the warlike Caribs, also from South America.
18th century
The British oust the French from Grenada in 1762 but are driven out in 1779. France holds the island for four years, until the Treaty of Versailles (1783) awards it to Britain. In 1795, a slave uprising provokes bloody reprisals.
20th century
An elected legislature is created in 1924 and the island is made a British Associated State in 1967. Grenada achieves full independence in 1974 but remains within the British Commonwealth. A coup d'etat in the spring of 1979 deposes Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy and installs Maurice Bishop at the head of a People's Revolutionary Government. In the autumn of 1983, Maurice Bishop is killed during an attempted takeover by the pro-Cuban extremist elements of his own party. Cuban involvement precipitates military intervention by the United States. Today the economy is based on agriculture (mainly nutmeg cultivation) and tourism.
