1. Caribbean Geography Mr. Langford’s Class

2. Overview Learn about leading island nations Learn about island locations Learn about some of the cultural aspects of these important nations Learn about some of the colonial mother’s

3. The Caribbean An area that includes over 7,000 islands Completely influenced by outsiders Volcano made Coral made Some of the greatest coral formations in the world Also known as the West Indies--why?

4. Lesser Antilles Islands that are smaller than Puerto Rico Mostly south of Puerto Rico Stretches from the Bahamas to Trinidad & Tobago

5. Greater Antilles Four largest islands Jamaica, Hispaniola, Cuba and Puerto Rico Located southeast of Florida Generally located close to each

6. Windward Islands Islands located closer to South America Form the bottom half of the crescent Tend to get more wind because of the wind patterns from the equator

7. Leeward Islands Upper part of the crescent Name comes from a sailing term that equates to the opposite side of the boat that receives the wind NOTE: All islands gets a breeze but these islands do not get as strong as a breeze than the Windward, typically

8. Colonial Influences Who landed in this area in 1492? Many countries decided to conquer these lands for what purpose? What countries were interested in the Caribbean area?

9. Colonial Power Map

10. Spain The leader in colonization of the Caribbean Started as a mission for Catholicism and gold Claimed the larger islands--why? What was to be claimed in these areas? Killed many natives and placed thousands into servitude--what the main killer of the natives Great Biological Exchange

11. England The newest colonial power Wanted to challenge Spain in all area of the world Exploited natives for labor One of the first to bring slaves Dominated sugar business

12. France More of a follower into this region Wanted to investigate possibilities Also imposed Catholicism on the people Made many deals with Spain to gain land-- Hispaniola Brought many slaves to the region

13. The Dutch Smallest of the conquerors Kept colonies longer than the rest Gave more independence than the others Considered to be one of the best colonizers

14. Cuba Communist government--Fidel Castro Guantanamo Bay--U.S. base Havana--capital and American play land before revolution Seen of the Spanish-American War--Rough Riders Long island--Biggest of the ___________

15. Cuba

16. Jamaica Newest economy is tourism Has rich mineral deposits Language-Petoi--a mix of French and Native Has a great contrast of rich and poor Center of island has a mountain range

17. Haiti 1/2 owner of Hispaniola Predominately French influence Very poor Underdeveloped Coup d’etat occur often

18. Dominican Republic Home of Sammy Sosa Also a poor country Influenced by Spain One of the countries with the most promise !/2 owner of what island?

19. Puerto Rico Smallest of the Greater Antilles A U.S. territory Has many rights of the United States Influenced by Spain, then United States Tourism is the main economy

20. Puerto Rico

21. The Caymans Series of islands make up this country British protectorate Tourism main source of income Includes many banks--”offshore” Home of “The Wall” and “Stingray City” Is this good or bad?

22. Bahamas Also a series of islands British protectorate Play land of the U.S. in the 70’s Now, many casinos and hotels dot the shore What is their number one source of income?

23. Some unique aspects St. Martin and St. Maarten--same island split in half, what is the influence Some islands are privately owned-- companies or individuals The region is home to thousands of species Why?