The Costs of Europe's Liberation: Shell, Oil and Oppression in the Caribbean

The refineries on Curacao and Aruba

Two of the largest refineries in the world during World War II were in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao, Aruba and these refineries, then owned by Shell and Esso, were heavily attacked and protected during the war years. Much of the oil was used by the Allies to liberate mainland Europe. Meanwhile, the islands continued to be ruled by a Dutch colonial administration. How did the people on the islands experience the war? What did it mean for these small islands to bear the burden of such enormous industrial production? How did this period shape the social and political reality of the islands?

During this event, moderated by Lyangelo Vasquez, author Chelsea Schields and Zion Piggott share their views on the events.