The Black Struggle for Political Autonomy in the Virgin Islands Under Navy Rule, 1917-1931
Author:
Marvin Williams
Degree Date:
June, 1982
Committee Chairperson:
J. Congress Mbata
Call Number:
Thesis DT 3.5 1982 W725
Description:
xi, 115 leaves: ill.; 29 cm.
Abstract:
This thesis discusses the period of American naval rule of the Virgin Islands -1917-1931- and explains the Black political experience of that era. Specific emphasis is on the struggle of Blacks for political autonomy. Thus an analysis of this struggle is rendered in an effort to conceptualize the Black activism in historical perspective. Furthermore, this work investigates the post-Emancipation Danish West Indian period and demonstrates how it helped to structure the nature of Black activism under U.S. naval rule of the Virgin Islands. Finally, the conclusion argues that the early struggle for Black political autonomy has left a political legacy which must be transcended if meaningful internal development is to come to the Virgin Islands.