Columbian Exchange : Exchange between old and new worlds

1. Columbian Exchange: Exchange between old and new worlds • 1500-1700- European exploration brought major changes to the world • New foods, plants, diseases crossed continents • Migration ofPeoples (Slave trade/Middle passage) • Migration of Ideas- Catholicism to Americas

3. Central America and the Caribbean Latin America

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

5. 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

6. Politics and Economics:Central America • Politics • Varied histories including some dictatorships • All nations today are either democracies or republics • Economies • Very similar to economy in Central America and Mexico • Panama Canal is very important to region

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

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

12. 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

13. Today’s Assignment • Use the atlas and your notes to fill out the chart you picked up on your way in. • Physical Geography: List at least three important features • History and Politics: describe the political history of the region and what types of govt. found today • Economic Activities: How do people here make money? • Cultural Characteristics: language, religion, social systems, etc. • Modern Issues: what are the main sources of concern for this region?

14. Today’s Assignment • Use the atlas and your notes to fill out the chart you picked up on your way in. • Physical Geography: List three important features • Natural Resources: List four important resources found in this area. • Population: List the most populated nation in this sub-region and the least populated. • Economic Activities: How do people here make money? • Respond to the last question using all of the information listed in your chart!