What event led to significant anti-colonial movements across the Caribbean?

World War II was a pivotal event that spurred significant anti-colonial movements across the Caribbean. The war heightened awareness of the contradictions inherent in colonial rule, particularly in light of the fight for freedom and democracy. Many Caribbean citizens who served in the war returned home with new ideas about governance, rights, and self-determination. The post-war period saw a greater push for independence as returning soldiers and the general populace became more vocal about their aspirations for political, social, and economic change.

Additionally, the war weakened European powers and led to a global re-evaluation of colonialism. Many colonies, including those in the Caribbean, began to demand independence more vigorously. The Atlantic Charter, proclaimed by the Allies in 1941, emphasized the right of all peoples to choose their own form of government, further fueling the desire for independence in Caribbean territories.

The economic impact of the war also contributed to these movements. The need for resources during the war had led to increased awareness of the limitations imposed by colonial systems, and there was a growing desire to benefit directly from their own resources and labor. As a result, post-war Caribbean nationalism began to gain momentum, laying the groundwork for eventual independence movements across the region in the ensuing decades.