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Central America and the Caribbean. Central America. Is a cultural hearth-a place from which important ideas spread The Mayans came from here. Central America. Spanish took Mexico and it opened up a pathway to Central America 1823-declared itself independent of Mexico
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Central America • Is a cultural hearth-a place from which important ideas spread • The Mayans came from here
Central America • Spanish took Mexico and it opened up a pathway to Central America • 1823-declared itself independent of Mexico • New Name-United Provinces of America
The Caribbean • Settled and claimed by many European powers • By 19th century, Spanish, French, British, Dutch, and Danish all claimed parts of the Caribbean.
Caribbean • Found by Columbus in 1492 • Thoughts he had found India and called them “Indians” • Were actually called “Taino”
Caribbean • Taino died out • Africans brought in to replace them • Sugar plantations
Breaking Free!!!! • Haiti was freed during a slave rebellion in the 1790s. • Cuba independent in 1898. • Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago independent in 1962.
Caribbean Culture • Religions-Catholic, Protestant, Santeria, Voodoo, and Rastafarianism • Languages-Spanish, French, and English (many small groups speak other languages)
Economy • Exports-sugar cane, bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, spices • Poor pay on plantations • Panama Canal
Economy • Informal economy-takes place outside official channels, without benefits or protection for workers • Street vending • Shining shoes • Etc.