What event significantly impacted Cayman's economy and community structure after 1945?

The introduction of tourism played a pivotal role in shaping the economy and community structure of the Cayman Islands after 1945. Following the war, the islands began to develop as a prime tourist destination, attracting visitors with their natural beauty, coral reefs, and a range of recreational activities. This shift saw the emergence of various tourist services, such as hotels, restaurants, and recreational industries, fundamentally altering the local economy which had primarily depended on fishing and agriculture.

As tourism grew, it led to increased employment opportunities for residents, subsequently changing social structures and the lifestyle of many local communities. Investments in infrastructure, including transportation and public services, were made to accommodate the increasing number of tourists, further embedding tourism into the economic framework of the islands. The growth of this sector also facilitated cultural exchanges and promoted the Caymanian identity on a broader stage.

Although events such as World War II had impacts on the Cayman Islands, they did not reshape the economy in the same way as the advent of tourism did afterward. Independence movements and economic sanctions did not play a significant role in the post-war context of the islands' development during this specific time frame. Thus, tourism became the defining force in transforming the Cayman's economic landscape and communal life after 1945.