1. Central America and the Caribbean
Latin America

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

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

10. 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