As an expert in international relations and historical events, I can provide you with a detailed account of the Bahamas' journey to independence.

The Bahamas, a nation consisting of over 700 islands, cays, and islets, has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous Lucayan people. However, the path to sovereignty and independence was significantly influenced by European colonization. The archipelago was initially claimed by Spain in the 15th century but saw English settlement beginning in the 17th century. Over the centuries, the Bahamas became a British Crown colony, with its governance and political landscape deeply intertwined with British rule.

The movement towards self-governance began to gain momentum in the mid-20th century. **"In 1964, Britain granted self-government to the Bahamas."** This was a pivotal moment, marking a significant step towards autonomy. Self-government allowed the Bahamas to control its internal affairs, although the United Kingdom retained responsibility for defense and foreign policy.

The political landscape was dominated by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Lynden Pindling, who became a prominent figure in the country's push for independence. **"In 1967 Lynden Pindling and his Progressive Liberal Party won control."** This victory was crucial as it solidified the PLP's role in guiding the Bahamas through the final stages of its transition to independence.

The ultimate achievement of independence was realized on a historic day: **"The Bahamas gained independence from Britain on July 10, 1973."** This marked the end of centuries of British rule and the beginning of a new era for the Bahamas as a sovereign nation. The date, celebrated annually as Independence Day, holds great significance for the Bahamian people as it represents their hard-won freedom and self-determination.

With independence came the opportunity to take a seat on the world stage as an equal among nations. **"The new nation was admitted to the United Nations the same year."** Membership in the UN is an important aspect of international relations, allowing the Bahamas to participate in global discussions and to contribute its perspective on a variety of issues affecting not only the region but the entire international community.

The journey to independence for the Bahamas was a complex process involving political negotiations, a growing sense of national identity, and a desire for self-determination. The transition from a British Crown colony to an independent nation was not without its challenges, but it was ultimately a successful one, leading to the Bahamas becoming a member of the community of nations.

In summary, the Bahamas' independence from Britain was the culmination of a long and sometimes arduous path towards self-governance and international recognition. The granting of self-government in 1964, the PLP's rise to power in 1967 under Lynden Pindling, and the formal achievement of independence on July 10, 1973, were all critical milestones in this journey. The Bahamas' admission to the United Nations in the same year as gaining independence further underscored its emergence as a sovereign state ready to engage with the world on its own terms.

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1973Britain granted self-government to the Bahamas in 1964. In 1967 Lynden Pindling and his Progressive Liberal Party won control. The Bahamas gained independence from Britain on July 10, 1973. The new nation was admitted to the United Nations the same year.read more >>