Brief Political History of Suriname

Summary

This video explores Suriname's unique history, from its earliest indigenous inhabitants to Dutch colonization and the rise of a multicultural society. It covers the struggle for economic viability, the impact of the slave trade, and the eventual abolition of slavery leading to a period of indentured labor. The narrative continues through Suriname's path to independence, marked by political upheavals, military rule, and the challenges of a fledgling democracy. The video concludes with Suriname's ongoing efforts to address social inequalities and economic diversification in the face of a complex past.

Takeaways

• 🏝️ Suriname is one of the most multicultural and multiethnic places in the Americas, with a history that diverges from its South American neighbors.
• 🗺️ The country has been inhabited since at least 3000 BCE, with indigenous groups like the Arawak, Caribs, and Surin being the earliest known inhabitants.
• 👑 The Dutch established the first permanent settlement in Suriname in 1651, after initial explorations by the Spanish and the British.
• ✍️ The Society of Surinam, a private company, was created in 1683 to reorganize Dutch colonization efforts, promoting migration and peace with indigenous peoples.
• 📉 Suriname's economy was heavily reliant on the production of sugar, coffee, cocoa, and cotton, with enslaved Africans forming the backbone of this labor force.
• 🔗 The abolition of slavery in 1863 led to a transition period where former slaves were required to work under a system of state supervision for a decade.
• 🌐 Post-abolition, Suriname saw the introduction of indentured laborers from China, India, and Java to replace the labor lost after slavery was abolished.
• 📉 The Great Depression and other economic crises led to a significant decline in Suriname's sugar industry, forcing the country to diversify its economy.
• 🏛️ Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975, after a long process of increasing autonomy and political negotiations.
• 🛑 A period of military rule and political instability followed Suriname's independence, including a military coup in 1980 and a civil war in the 1980s.
• 🏞️ Since the return to democracy in the 1990s, Suriname has been working to diversify its economy and address social and economic inequalities, with a focus on developing tourism.

Q & A

What is the earliest evidence of habitation in Suriname and what are some of the indigenous peoples that lived there?

Suriname has been inhabited since at least 3000 BCE. The earliest evidence comes from the Waianae archaeological site, known for its pre-Columbian petroglyphs. Indigenous peoples that lived there included the Arawak, the Caribs, and the Surin, with the Arawak being the largest coastal nomadic tribe.

Who were the first Europeans to explore Suriname and when did they arrive?

The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore the area under the command of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499, followed by an expedition in 1500 under Vicente Yáñez Pinzón.

What was the significance of Sir Walter Ralegh's exploration in Suriname and how did it impact the region?

Sir Walter Ralegh's exploration of the area and his exaggerated claims about the myth of El Dorado brought renewed interest to the region. Initially, El Dorado was thought to be in present-day Colombia and Venezuela, but the focus gradually shifted eastward, leading to explorations including the source of the Marowijne River.

When was the first permanent settlement in Suriname established and by whom?

The first permanent settlement in Suriname was established in 1651 by the British around the remains of Paramaribo, which they named Willoughby.

How did the Treaty of Breda and the Treaty of Westminster impact Suriname's control?

The Treaty of Breda in 1667 recognized the Dutch conquest of Suriname, changing its name from Willoughby to Zeelandia. The Treaty of Westminster in 1674 made the swap permanent, leading Suriname to be under Dutch control for the next three centuries.

What was the Society of Suriname and how did it influence the colonization efforts?

The Society of Suriname was a private company created in 1683 to reorganize Dutch colonization efforts. It had three shareholders: the City of Amsterdam, the Dutch West India Company, and the family of Cornelis van Aerssen. It encouraged migration to the colony and made peace with the native Amerindians.

What was the role of enslaved Africans in Suriname's economy during the 18th century?

Enslaved Africans were the workforce behind Suriname's economic success in the 18th century. They were kidnapped and brought to work on plantations producing sugar, coffee, cocoa, and cotton, which were sent back to Europe.

How did the Maroons, or free black communities, impact Suriname's history?

The Maroons, or free black communities, were formed by individuals who fled plantations. They created powerful leaders like Bilí Aubon and raided plantations to free other enslaved people. This process contributed to the economic instability of the colony.

What were the economic and social effects of the Great Depression on Suriname?

The Great Depression caused a sharp downfall in Suriname's economy, leading to unemployment, social unrest, and political resistance. It also led to riots in Paramaribo and the rise of anti-colonialist leaders like Anton de Kom.

How did Suriname transition from Dutch colony to an independent nation?

Suriname's transition to independence was a gradual process that included the establishment of a new constitution in 1866, full elections in 1949, self-government in 1954, and finally, full independence on November 25, 1975, after negotiations with the Dutch government.

What were the consequences of the military coup in Suriname in 1980, and how did it affect the country's development?

The military coup in 1980, led by Desi Bouterse, initially brought hope for economic improvement and an end to corruption. However, it led to foreign aid suspension, private investment stagnation, and a decline in the export of bauxite. The regime also faced opposition, leading to the December murders in 1982 and a subsequent civil war.