Which island was the first to gain independence from colonial rule in the Caribbean?

Haiti was the first island in the Caribbean to gain independence from colonial rule. It achieved this historic feat on January 1, 1804, following a successful slave revolution against French colonial rule. This revolution was significant not only for Haiti but also set a precedent within the Caribbean and beyond, as it became a symbol of resistance against slavery and oppression.

Haiti's independence was groundbreaking because it was the first nation in the world to abolish slavery and the first independent black-led republic. This marked a pivotal moment in both Caribbean and world history, showcasing the potential for oppressed peoples to rise against colonial powers.

In contrast, Cuba gained independence later, in 1898, following the Spanish-American War, which although significant, was not the same as a revolutionary movement led internally by its own people as seen in Haiti. Jamaica and Dominica also gained independence in the 20th century, with Jamaica becoming independent in 1962 and Dominica in 1978. These later achievements reflect the broader trend of decolonization that swept through the Caribbean and other parts of the world after World War II, but they occurred long after Haiti made its pioneering move for independence.