In the 17th century, after decades of colonial expansion and private governance, the English monarchy reasserted its authority over the Caribbean islands of Barbados, St Christopher, Nevis, Montserrat and Antigua. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the political machinations and colonial policies employed by the Crown to establish control over the often-turbulent plantations, whose planters held significant economic and political power. Tracing the history of each island and the machinations of the key players in the region, the author maps the evolution of the sugar industry, examines the impact of the slave trade, and explores the role of piracy and the constant threat of conflict with France and Spain. In doing so, the book provides a comprehensive and meticulously researched overview of the early development of Britain's most important colonies in the West Indies, revealing how the region became central to the development of the British Empire.