1. A novel by Theodore Taylor

2. The Caribbean SEA ISLANDS COASTS

3. A VAST CHAIN OF ISLANDS 7000 Islands 2500 miles long 160 miles wide

4. Curacao In the Southern Caribbean Off the coast of Venezuela Its capital is Willemstad

5. THE ORIGINAL INHABITANTS The Arawak Amerindians.

6. Arawak words that became English Some Arawak words still commonly used today are: barbacoa (barbecue) hamaca (hammock) canoa (canoe) tabaco (tobacco) yuca (yucca) huracan (hurricane)

7. The first Europeans to see the island were a Spanish expedition in 1499. Europeans1499 The Europeans are coming!

8. Indentured Servitude The Spaniards exported most of the indigenous population to other colonies where workers were needed.Spaniards

9. Extinction of a People The Arawak Amerindians were wiped out by Spanish diseases such as smallpox and measles.

10. Willemstad, Curacao The island was occupied by the Dutch in 1634. Dutch 1634

11. Schottegat; St. Anna Bay TheDutch West India Company founded the capital of Willemstad on the banks of an inlet called the 'Schottegat'.

12. Fort Amsterdam Many Caribbean islands were colonies of European nations.

13. A Perfect Harbor for Trade Willemstad proved quickly to be an ideal spot for trade. Commerce and shipping -- but also piracy- Commerce shipping piracy

14. The Dutch West India Company made Curaçao a center for slave trade in 1662.Dutch West India Company 1662 The Slave Trade

15. Lake Maracaibo Oil was discovered here in 1914.

16. Oil Royal Dutch Shell & the Dutch Government built an extensive oil refinery installation, ironically on the former site of the slave-trade market at Asiento.

17. ATTACK ON THE LAGO REFINERY

18. Strategic Importance Produced aviation gasoline for the Americans and British during WWII.

19. But… Three tankers were torpedoed.

20. Pontjesbrug, Willemstad

21. Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge