Central America and the Caribbean Latin America

History: Native and Colonial Central America Early history developed from the Mayan and Aztec civilizations Many aspects of culture still linked to native cultures

History: European Exploration Spanish Conquest of Middle America Declared independence from Spain in 1821 Annexed by Mexican Empire but separated in 1823 Created ‘United States of Central America’ 1830s: Split into separate nations

Politics and Economics: Central America Varied histories including some dictatorships All nations today are either democracies or republics Economies Very similar to economy in Mexico Panama Canal is very important to region

History: Native and Colonial Caribbean Caribbean was settled and claimed by European powers Spanish, French, Dutch, Danish, British Majority of the slaves brought over during Columbian Exchange came to island nations Important role in shaping culture of islands

History: Caribbean Independence Independence movement began as a slave revolt in Haiti then swept across the Caribbean Sea 1804: Haiti gained independence from France Cuba won independence from Spain in 1898 as a result of the Spanish-American War Occupied by the US until 1902 Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were under British rule until 1962

Politics Today: Caribbean Some nations still reliant on colonial rule Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States Aruba belongs to Holland Virgin Islands split between US and UK Some have democratic governments Some controlled by dictators/totalitarian leaders Cuba is communist

Economics: Jobs and People Most people in the region are poor Many jobs related to one of two industries Tourism Farming Others rely solely on informal employment Jobs that are not considered traditional Street vendors, shoe shiners, etc.

Economics: Farming Perfect climate and soil for crops that are in high demand Sugar Cane Coffee Bananas Citrus Fruits Coconuts Spices

Economics: Tourism Increasingly important industry Local residents find jobs in hotels, resorts, and restaurants Many make a living as guides and assistants for tourist activities Often leads to huge levels of resentment and a wider gap between upper and lower classes