World Geography Chapter 10 Section 2

Central America and the Caribbean History Central America was the home of the Maya – one of the great Indian civilizations

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Area later controlled by Spain, Mexico after 1821, declare independence in 1823, become independent countries starting in 1830s.

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean Caribbean settled by Columbus beginning in 1492, used Indians as slaves, most die, Africans brought in to replace them

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Later Britain, Holland, France, and Denmark claim islands – all interested in the sugar trade

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Haiti first to win independence in 1804 – slaves revolt against French, US pushed Spain out in 1898, some islands still not independent

Culture Central America mixes Spanish and Indian elements - Spanish language and religion have been attached to older Indian traditions

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Caribbean is more diverse, includes many different European, Indian, and African influences

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean African part is most important – most people are descendants of African slaves Religions include Catholic, Protestant, Santeria, Voodoo, and Rastafarianism

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Most common languages are Spanish, French, and English – a little Dutch and Danish

Economics and Jobs Economy still based on agriculture - sugar cane, bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, and spices

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Panama important to trade because of the Panama Canal – cuts 15,000 miles off a coast-to-coast trip

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean Most Central Americans live in rural areas – work agricultural jobs Plantation jobs do not pay well – most people are poor - Many Caribbean people have moved to cities hoping to get a job working with tourists, most are unsuccessful and end up in crowded slums

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Best Caribbean jobs are working with tourists in hotels, resorts, and restaurants

Chapter 10 Section 2 – Central America and the Caribbean - Caribbean famous for music – Reggae in Jamaica, Calypso in Trinidad

Any Questions???