About the book
In a compelling story of the installation and operation of U.S. bases in the Caribbean colony of Trinidad during World War II, Harvey Neptune examines how the people of this British island contended with the colossal force of American empire-building at a critical time in the island’s history.
The U.S. military occupation between 1941 and 1947 came at the same time that Trinidadian nationalist politics sought to project an image of a distinct, independent, and particularly un-British cultural landscape.
The American intervention, Neptune shows, contributed to a tempestuous scene as Trinidadians deliberately engaged Yankee personnel, paychecks, and practices flooding the island. He explores the military-based economy, relationships between U.S. servicemen and Trinidadian women, and the influence of American culture on local music (especially calypso), fashion, labor practices, and everyday racial politics.
Tracing the debates about change among ordinary and privileged Trinidadians, he argues that it was the poor, the women, and the youth who found the most utility in and moved most avidly to make something new out of the American presence.
Neptune also places this history of Trinidad’s modern times into a wider Caribbean and Latin American perspective, highlighting how Caribbean peoples sometimes wield “America” and “American ways” as part of their localized struggles.
Editions of Caliban and the Yankees
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807830802
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807857885
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807868119
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469604732
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890877833
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893131635
Read an Excerpt
In a compelling story of the installation and operation of U.S. bases in the Caribbean colony of Trinidad during World War II, Harvey Neptune examines how the people of this British island contended with the colossal force of American empire-building at a critical time in the island’s history.
The U.S. military occupation between 1941 and 1947 came at the same time that Trinidadian nationalist politics sought to project an image of a distinct, independent, and particularly un-British cultural landscape.
The American intervention, Neptune shows, contributed to a tempestuous scene as Trinidadians deliberately engaged Yankee personnel, paychecks, and practices flooding the island. He explores the military-based economy, relationships between U.S. servicemen and Trinidadian women, and the influence of American culture on local music (especially calypso), fashion, labor practices, and everyday racial politics.
Tracing the debates about change among ordinary and privileged Trinidadians, he argues that it was the poor, the women, and the youth who found the most utility in and moved most avidly to make something new out of the American presence.
Neptune also places this history of Trinidad’s modern times into a wider Caribbean and Latin American perspective, highlighting how Caribbean peoples sometimes wield “America” and “American ways” as part of their localized struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caliban and the Yankees about?
In a compelling story of the installation and operation of U.S. bases in the Caribbean colony of Trinidad during World War II, Harvey Neptune examines how the people of this British island contended with the colossal force of American empire-building at a critical time in the island’s history.
The U.S. military occupation between 1941 and 1947 came at the same time that Trinidadian nationalist politics sought to project an image of a distinct, independent, and particularly un-British cultural landscape.
The American intervention, Neptune shows, contributed to a tempestuous scene as Trinidadians deliberately engaged Yankee personnel, paychecks, and practices flooding the island. He explores the military-based economy, relationships between U.S. servicemen and Trinidadian women, and the influence of American culture on local music (especially calypso), fashion, labor practices, and everyday racial politics.
Tracing the debates about change among ordinary and privileged Trinidadians, he argues that it was the poor, the women, and the youth who found the most utility in and moved most avidly to make something new out of the American presence.
Neptune also places this history of Trinidad’s modern times into a wider Caribbean and Latin American perspective, highlighting how Caribbean peoples sometimes wield “America” and “American ways” as part of their localized struggles.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Caliban and the Yankees?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Caliban and the Yankees?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807830802
How long is Caliban and the Yankees and how many pages does it have?
Caliban and the Yankees has 288 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Caliban and the Yankees?
Harvey R. Neptune
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Caliban and the Yankees is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807830802) and paperback(ISBN 9780807857885) and ebook(ISBN 9780807868119) and ebook(ISBN 9781469604732) and ebook(ISBN 9798890877833) and ebook(ISBN 9798893131635)
Where can I buy Caliban and the Yankees online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Caliban and the Yankees from below
Where can I buy Caliban and the Yankees?