1. Chapter 5 Section 2: History
Central American and the Caribbean:
Geography and History
Chapter 5 Section 2: History

2. 2.1 Trade Across Continents

3. 2.1 Trade Across Continents
Spanish colonies in the area were the first steps towards a global trade
Farming for Profit
Spanish settlers grew cash crop, or crops for profit.
Sugar cane grew well on the islands and there was a scarcity, or shortage in Europe.
Spanish settlers exploited, or took advantage of the native population for a labor force on their farms.
Large number of native people died from European disease.
They had to resupply their work force, bringing in African slaves.
New Trade Changes the World
In the 1500s goods were exchanged in the triangular trade– trade among three continents: the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
Spain was gaining a lot of wealth from the Americas.
Other European countries joined in for the race of profit.

4. 2.2 The Columbian Exchange

5. 2.2 The Columbian Exchange
Document 3:
The Historian’s Viewpoint
Alfred Crosby is the historian who invented the phrase “Columbian exchange.” Here is an excerpt from an essay he wrote on the global impact of the Columbian Exchange.
The triangular trade is known as the “Columbian Exchange,” named for Christopher Columbus.
Document 1:
The diagram at right illustrates crops and diseases exchanged among continents.
Document 2: Columbus’s Journal
Columbus kept a journal detailing his arrival in the Caribbean in This excerpt describes the first trades made with native Americans.

6. 2.3 Paths Toward Independence

7. 2.3 Paths Toward Independence
Haiti Leads the Way
In 1791, Haiti was the leading producer of sugarcane in the Caribbean.
There were about ½ million slaves in Haiti.
By 1791, slaves outnumbered white planters.
Haitian slaves began to rebel.
In 1794, the French government abolished slavery, but kept control over the island.
Toussaint L’Overture, a former slave, began movement towards independence.
His army struggled to defeat the French until his death in 1803.
His army defeated the French, and declared Haiti a free country on January 1, 1804.

8. 2.3 Paths Toward Independence
Calls for Freedom Spread
Spanish colonies in the Americas were ruled by viceroys – governors who represented the Spanish king and queen.
Most of the region fell under official control of the Spanish viceroy in Mexico City.
In 1821, Mexico seized control of most of Central America.
In 1823, CA broke control from Mexico and became the United Provinces of Central America.
Provinces are smaller parts of a larger nation.
Over the next 20 years each province would declare its independence.
Caribbean Independence
Haiti was the first island to become independent.
Most did not become independent until the 1900s.
Today some islands still have European connections.
Bermuda is still a British territory, and Aruba is still part of the Netherlands.

9. 2.4 Comparing Cuba and Puerto Rico
Both islands were ideal for growing sugar cane.
Both islands had good natural harbors, or places where ships could land protected from the open sea.
Cuba’s Path to the 21st Century
Spain ruled Cuba as a colony from 1511 to 1898.
Spanish built Havana.
Spanish also built sugarcane plantations.
Cubans wanted control of their own resources.
In the 1800s they tried and failed several rebellions.
In 1898, they won independence after the Spanish-American War.
U.S. military controlled Cuba’s resources.
Cuba’s government was ran by several corrupt, or dishonest leaders, that led with complete control as dictators.
In 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew Cuba’s dictator.
He set up a communist nation allying with the Soviet Union.
The U.S. cut ties with Cuba.
In 1993, Cuba allowed citizens to open their own businesses

10. 2.4 Comparing Cuba and Puerto Rico
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony from 1500s to 1898.
- Puerto Ricans were very poor and tried to rebel against the Spanish.
- U.S. sent troops to Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American war.
- In 1898, when Spain surrendered, the Treaty of Paris made Puerto Rico a U.S. territory.
- In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship.
- In 1952, Puerto Rico became a U.S. commonwealth, a nation that governs itself but is part of a larger country.
- Puerto Rico has more economic and political freedom than Cuba.
- Many work in high-tech factories, and many also work in the tourist industry.