The Caribbean Greater Antilles: The Big Islands Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic & Haiti) All are in the north Caribbean and discovered by Columbus

Conquest Tainos: original inhabitants of islands were almost extinguished within 50 years of conquest due to overwork, murder, suicide, and Spanish disease Britain and France then competed with Spain for influence – France took Haiti and Britain took Jamaica Cuba, Dominican, Puerto Rico share a common history and culture (Spanish)

Cuba The only non-mountainous island Havana used to be the “Paris of the Caribbean” – now in shambles Prior to Castro’s revolution, Cubans were Catholic – now: most are non-religious Soviet Union provided $5 billion annually to Cuba – Cuba’s economy damaged greatly by Soviet collapse. U.S embargo prevents American tourists from Cuba, but it is still popular for Europeans

Cuba U.S. established a permanent base after Spanish-American war – now used for War on Terror prisoners Castro considers deal to establish as illegitimate

Haiti Spanish left western 1/3 of Hispaniola after gold and silver was discovered in Mexico French took over area and enslaved the black majority Haiti became the source of incalculable wealth due to sugar economy… However, wealth was accumulated by hideous treatment of slaves….

Haiti Slaves of Haiti became world history’s first and only successful slave uprising – ultimately even defeating Napoleon’s army First independent black nation History after that is less encouraging

Haiti Religion: Voodoo (mixture of African tribal religion and Catholicism) 80% of population lives in extreme poverty After corrupt elections in 2000, foreign aid was cut off Highest HIV and tuberculosis rate in hemisphere (population is decreasing due to HIV) 99% deforestation – and rains have washed away most of the rest of the soil Massive 2010 earthquake – 300,000+ dead