The Inside Story of the Grenada Revolution: A Journey from Idealism to Disaster

We Move Tonight: The Making of the Grenada Revolution

by Joseph Ewart Layne

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages
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The Grenada Revolution was a Marxist-Leninist revolution that took place in the Caribbean island nation of Grenada from 1979 to 1983. Led by the New Jewel Movement (NJM),the revolution overthrew the authoritarian government of Eric Gairy and established a socialist state.

The revolution was initially met with support from many Grenadians, who were disillusioned with Gairy's corrupt and oppressive regime. However, the NJM's policies soon alienated many people, including members of the working class and the middle class.

In 1983, the NJM was overthrown in a military coup led by Bernard Coard. Coard's government was even more repressive than Gairy's, and it was eventually overthrown by a US invasion.

The Grenada Revolution was a complex and tragic event that had a profound impact on Grenadian history. It is a story of idealism, betrayal, and the human cost of political extremism.

## The Rise of the New Jewel Movement

The New Jewel Movement was founded in 1973 by a group of young Grenadians who were inspired by the Cuban Revolution. The group's leaders included Maurice Bishop, Bernard Coard, and George Louison.

The NJM's ideology was a mix of Marxism-Leninism and Black Power. The group advocated for the overthrow of Gairy's government and the establishment of a socialist state.

The NJM quickly gained support from many Grenadians, who were frustrated with Gairy's authoritarian rule and his close ties to the United States. The group also received support from Cuba and other socialist countries.

## The Revolution

In March 1979, the NJM launched a coup d'état that overthrew Gairy's government. Bishop became Prime Minister, and Coard became Deputy Prime Minister.

The revolution was initially met with support from many Grenadians. Bishop promised to create a more just and equitable society, and he launched a number of popular programs, including free education and healthcare.

However, the NJM's policies soon alienated many people. The group's close ties to Cuba and the Soviet Union led to accusations that it was a communist dictatorship.

The NJM also faced strong opposition from the United States, which feared that Grenada would become a Soviet military base in the Caribbean. The US government imposed economic sanctions on Grenada and supported counter-revolutionary groups.

## The Downfall

In 1983, the NJM was overthrown in a military coup led by Coard. Coard accused Bishop of being a CIA agent and had him executed.

Coard's government was even more repressive than Gairy's. It imposed martial law and arrested and tortured political opponents.

The US government justified its invasion of Grenada by claiming that it was necessary to protect American citizens and to restore order. The invasion was successful, and Coard's government was overthrown.

## The Legacy of the Revolution

The Grenada Revolution was a complex and tragic event that had a profound impact on Grenadian history. It is a story of idealism, betrayal, and the human cost of political extremism.

The revolution raised important questions about the nature of socialism, the role of the state, and the limits of political change. It also highlighted the challenges and dangers of implementing revolutionary change in a small and isolated country.

The legacy of the Grenada Revolution is still debated today. Some people argue that the revolution was a necessary step towards creating a more just and equitable society. Others argue that it was a tragic mistake that led to violence and repression.

## Timeline of the Grenada Revolution

* 1973: The New Jewel Movement (NJM) is founded. * 1979: The NJM launches a coup d'état that overthrows the government of Eric Gairy. * 1980: Bishop becomes Prime Minister of Grenada. * 1981: The US government imposes economic sanctions on Grenada. * 1983: Coard leads a military coup that overthrows Bishop's government. * 1983: Bishop is executed. * 1983: The US invades Grenada.

## Key Figures in the Grenada Revolution

* Maurice Bishop: Prime Minister of Grenada from 1979 to 1983. * Bernard Coard: Deputy Prime Minister of Grenada from 1979 to 1983. * Eric Gairy: Prime Minister of Grenada from 1967 to 1979.

## Further Reading

* "The Grenada Revolution" by Anthony Payne * "Maurice Bishop: A Grenada Memoir" by Alister Hinds * "The US Invasion of Grenada" by Bernard Coard

## Image Gallery

The leaders of the New Jewel Movement (NJM),from left to right: Bernard Coard, Maurice Bishop, and George Louison.

Grenadian soldiers during the 1979 revolution.

Maurice Bishop speaking at a rally in Grenada.

US soldiers during the 1983 invasion of Grenada.

We Move Tonight: The Making of the Grenada Revolution

by Joseph Ewart Layne

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE