"... [V]iew the Caribbean as the crossroads of the Americas." (Rowntree, et al., p. 132)
- The colonial history of the Caribbean involved near total elimination of native peoples, slavery of millions of Africans, extinction of indigenous plants and animals, and exploitation by Europeans (and later, by the United States). Yet it also witnessed slave revolts and independence movements as well as strong in-migrations and significant cultural, economic, and social development. While most inhabitants are poor and face serious environmental challenges, they work in more diversified economies than ever before, have greater access to education and are contributing in larger numbers to world culture. After studying this chapter, you should be able to identify the countries of the Caribbean, locate specific physical features in the region and understand the following concepts and models:
- Environmental geography
- Environmental issues; Climate and vegetation.
- Population and settlement
- Demographic trends; Rural-urban continuum.
- Cultural coherence and diversity
- Cultural imprint of colonialism; Creating a Neo-Africa; Creolization and Caribbean identity.
- Geopolitical framework
- Life in the "American Backyard"; Independence and integration.
- Economic and social development
- From fields to factories and resorts; Social development.
