In October 1865, the quiet parish of St. Thomas in Jamaica exploded into violence when several hundred black people marched into the town of Morant Bay, seeking justice for decades of oppression. What began as a protest against economic hardship and police brutality quickly transformed into one of the most significant—and brutal—events in Caribbean colonial history.
The Morant Bay Rebellion wasn't just a local disturbance; it was a watershed moment that completely transformed Jamaica's political landscape. When the crowd attacked the police station and confronted local militia, killing eighteen and wounding thirty-one, they set in motion a chain reaction that would lead to nearly five hundred deaths, the recall of a governor, and the complete reorganization of the island's government.
Author Gad Heuman has crafted what stands as the first full-length study of this pivotal event, drawing from an incredible array of primary sources. The massive evidence collected by the Jamaican Royal Commission, colonial office correspondence, missionary reports, and contemporary accounts all come together to create a comprehensive picture of what really happened during those fateful days.
What makes The Killing Time so valuable isn't just its detailed account of the rebellion itself, but its deep exploration of the political, social, and economic injustices that sparked it. This book serves as an essential resource for anyone studying post-emancipation trends, the dynamics of colonial rule, or the nature of popular resistance throughout the Caribbean.
Whether you're a graduate student researching colonial history, a professor looking for primary source material, or simply someone fascinated by stories of resistance and resilience, The Killing Time offers unparalleled insights. The meticulous detail and balanced approach make this accessible to academic and non-academic readers alike, providing a window into a period that continues to shape Caribbean identity today.
