Transcript Central America and the Caribbean Islands

Central America and the Caribbean Islands
Central American History, Culture and Today
Early History
• In several of the central american
countries, maya were present building
cities with temples and pyramids. By
900 AD, the maya abandoned their
cities and almost disappeared. People
of maya descent live in Belize and
Guatemala today and the customs still
influence the region today.
Early History
• In the 1500’s, the entire region would come
under control of Europeans – here mainly
Spain. Belize was a British colony. The
Spanish established large plantations growing
tobacco, sugarcane and cotton and opened gold
mines, employing the natives to perform the
labor until they were worked to death or
succumbed to white men’s diseases. Then
Africans will take their place. This system
would become the norm in New Spain.
Central America Since Independence
• The Spanish colonies of Central America
declared their independence from Spain in
1821. They remained together as the United
Provinces of Central America until Costa Rica,
Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and
Guatemala separated in 1838-9. Panama
remained a part of Columbia until 1903. Belize
would gain independence from Britain much
later in 1981.
Central America Since Independence
• For most of Central America, things
would not change as the Spanish left
wealthy landowners behind to run the
economies – plantation crops of coffee
and bananas will be the economic
anchor to the region.
Economy
• In the early 1900’s, the American
company, United Fruit Company,
controlled most of the banana
production. They built railways and
ports that would help transportation
and communication in the region.
Some resented the foreign investments
feeling it was wrong for so few to own
so much, while so many struggled to
live.
Struggles
• In the mid to late 1900’s,
demands for reform led to armed
conflict in Guatemala El Salvador
and Nicaragua. It has been in
the last few years that peace has
been attained.
Culture: People and Languages
• Most of the people that live in
Central America are mestizos.
Native Maya ancestors live in the
highlands of Guatemala. People
of African descent are also
prominent and most live along
the Caribbean coast.
Languages
• In some of the countries of Central
America, many still speak native
languages. In some places, Belize for
instance, English from their colonial
heritage is spoken. However, Spanish
is the official language in most
countries and the Spanish colonial
influence is noticeable.
Religion, Festivals and Food
• Catholicism is the main religion of the
region – Spanish missionaries
converting the Natives adds to this.
Indian traditions have influenced the
Catholic way in the region. Protestants
are becoming big in areas like Belize.
Festivals and Food
• Saint Day Celebrations are big in
Central America and Easter celebration
is very important. Towns are fancifully
decorated and people carry images pf
saints on parades. During these
celebrations, people eat traditional
foods like corn, peppers, tomatoes and
cacao.
Today: Guatemala
• Guatemala us the most populous of the countries with 13 million people.
60% ar mestizos and Europeans and 40% are Native Americans. Most
live in small villages in the highland region.
Today Guatemala
• Fighting between the government and rebels killed 200,000 people between 1960 and
1996. The Guatemalans are still recovering. Coffee grows well in the highlands and is
the most important crop. The spice cardamom is also grown.
Today Belize
• Belize has the smallest population.
They do not have much land or
agriculture, but ecoturism – the
practice of using a countries natural
environment to attract tourists – has
become popular. Coral reefs, Mayan
ruins and coastal resorts are all popular
with tourists
Today Honduras
• Honduras is a mountainous
country and most of the people
live in the mountains. The
rugged land makes it difficult to
get around or grow crops. Citrus
fruits and bananas are important
exports.
Today El Salvador
• In El Salvador, a few rich people own
most of the land. A civil war raged
through the 1980’s and killed many
and hurt the economy. Since 1992, El
Salvadorans have been rebuilding the
country using the fertile soil and
exporting crops like coffee and
sugarcane.
Today Nicaragua
• Nicaragua has been rebuilding since the end of
its civil war. in 1979, A group called the
Sandinistas overthrew the dictator. Many
Nicaraguans supported the Sandinistas But the
US government aided other rebels to fight the
Sandinistas for power. The war ended in 1990
when elections ended Sandinista rule and
created a democracy.
Today Costa Rica
• Unlike most of Central America, Costa
Rica has enjoyed a long history of
peace. It also has a stable, democratic
government. Not having an army
allows the country to use funds to
reduce poverty. Crops like bananas
and coffee are important and tourism
to the rainforests aid the economy.
Today Panama
• Panama is the narrowest, southernmost country in Central America. Most
people live near the Panama Canal. Canal fees and local industries make
this region the countries most prosperous.
Today Panama
• The Panama Canal provides a link from Pacific to Atlantic. The French started the
canal and the US finished it in 1914. The US controlled the canal until 1999 when it
was given to Panama as agreed to in an earlier treaty.
To Sum Up …
• Exit: Why do you think Panama wanted control of the canal?
• Stay Tuned Nest Time for The Caribbean Islands.