The history of the Danish West Indies, spanning from Columbus's encounter in 1493 to the formal transfer to the United States in 1917, is a tale of resilience, transformation, and cultural evolution. Initially named "Las Virgenes" by Columbus, the islands witnessed the establishment of Danish colonies in 1672, centered on the lucrative sugar trade and fueled by the inhumane transatlantic slave trade. Emancipation in 1848 marked a progressive shift, leading to the importation of labor from diverse corners of the globe. The United States, eyeing strategic control, initiated acquisition attempts from 1867. The historical backdrop intensified during World War I, with the sinking of the Lusitania triggering U.S. concerns about German control of the islands. This fear catalyzed negotiations, resulting in the islands' formal transfer in 1917, marking the only U.S. territory purchased from another imperial power. To read more: https://www.timeprinternews.com