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Sep 26, 1498
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus visits the islands, naming Trinidad after the three peaks at its south-east corner and Tobago after a local type of tobacco pipe. -
British expedition
1797 - A British naval expedition captures Trinidad from Spain. -
treaty of Amiens.
Spain cedes Trinidad to Britain under the Treaty of Amiens. -
Slavery abolished
Slavery abolished; indentured workers brought in from India to work on sugar plantations. -
internal self-government
Britain gives Trinidad and Tobago internal self-government with Williams as prime minister. -
leaves the West Indies Federation
Trinidad and Tobago leaves the West Indies Federation; becomes independent with Williams as prime minister. -
Free Trade Area
Trinidad and Tobago and other English-speaking Caribbean states form the Caribbean Free Trade Area, which was replaced in 1973 by the Caribbean Common Market. -
Government declares a state of emergency
Government declares a state of emergency after violent protests by "Black Power" supporters who demand a solution to unemployment and an end to foreign influence over the economy. Hundreds of army soldiers mutiny in support, but their rebellion collapses within days. -
Ellis Clarke
1976 - Trinidad and Tobago becomes a republic with the former governor-general, Ellis Clarke, as president and Eric Williams as prime minister. -
firebombings
A rash of firebombings, arsons and political shootings afflict the country.