How long was Barbados under British rule?

400 years
Barbados became a republic and swore in its first president, Sandra Mason, 55 years after the Caribbean island gained independence from Britain. The ceremony formally severed ties with Queen Elizabeth II and ended nearly 400 years of British rule.

When did Barbados get its independence?

November 30, 1966
Barbados / Founded

Barbados became independent on November 30, 1966, after joining the ill-fated West Indies Federation (1958–62).

Why did Barbados leave the British Empire?

The island was one of England’s first slave colonies after settlers began occupying it in 1627. Under British control it became a sugar plantation powered by African slaves. … In 1834, slavery was abolished in Barbados and the country became independent from Britain in 1966.

How did Barbados gain its independence?

At the stroke of midnight on 29 November 1966, Barbados became an independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth, ending 361 years of British rule. … The United States immediately recognised Barbados’ independence when it opened the American Embassy in Bridgetown on Independence Day 1966.

What did Britain gain from Barbados?

The windmill at the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill in the interior of Barbados, an island in the Caribbean. Barbados’ climate and slave-based plantation system allowed for an economic boom for sugar production, making it one of Britain’s wealthiest colonies.

Who gave Barbados Independence?

37) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that granted independence to Barbados with effect from 30 November 1966. The Act also provided for the granting of a new constitution to take effect upon independence, which was done by the Barbados Independence Order 1966.