Latin American History: the Caribbean
Pirates and plunder! The history of the Caribbean is a fascinating one, full of extraordinary characters and events. Outposts on Cuba and Hispaniola were crucial to the early Spanish exploration of the New World. Later, the area became a crossroads of sorts, where the Spanish, English, French and other European powers all fought for control of the New World and the wealth that came with it.
Biography of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa
Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (1475-1519) was a Spanish conquistador and explorer of the early colonial era. He is credited with leading the first European expedition to discover the Pacific Ocean (which he referred to as the "South Sea"). He was an able administrator and popular leader who cultivated strong ties with local tribes.
Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (1475-1519) was a Spanish conquistador and explorer of the early colonial era. He is credited with leading the first European expedition to discover the Pacific Ocean (which he referred to as the "South Sea"). He was an able administrator and popular leader who cultivated strong ties with local tribes.
Haiti: The US Occupation, 1915-1934
In 1915, the government of the United States of America sent troops to occupy Haiti to put an end to recent anarchy and to defend US economic and military interests. Although the US rule was fairly benign, it was unpopular both in the United States and Haiti and forces were withdrawn in 1934.
In 1915, the government of the United States of America sent troops to occupy Haiti to put an end to recent anarchy and to defend US economic and military interests. Although the US rule was fairly benign, it was unpopular both in the United States and Haiti and forces were withdrawn in 1934.
Antonio de Montesinos
On December 4, 1511, Dominican friar Antonio de Montesinos delivered a scathing sermon to the Spanish colonists on Hispaniola, criticizing them for enslaving the natives of the Caribbean. He was practically run out of town, but continued his work on behalf of better conditions for the natives until his death in 1545.
On December 4, 1511, Dominican friar Antonio de Montesinos delivered a scathing sermon to the Spanish colonists on Hispaniola, criticizing them for enslaving the natives of the Caribbean. He was practically run out of town, but continued his work on behalf of better conditions for the natives until his death in 1545.
Biography of José Martí
José Martí (1853-1895) was a Cuban revolutionary and poet. Although he was not a soldier, he was a leading advocate for Cuban independence from Spain from the time he was sixteen years old. He died in combat against Spanish forces in Cuba in 1895 and is today revered as a Cuban national hero.
José Martí (1853-1895) was a Cuban revolutionary and poet. Although he was not a soldier, he was a leading advocate for Cuban independence from Spain from the time he was sixteen years old. He died in combat against Spanish forces in Cuba in 1895 and is today revered as a Cuban national hero.
The Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus
The Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus
The Second Voyage of Christopher Columbus
The First New World Voyage of Christopher Columbus (1492)
Christopher Columbus may have been looking for a new trade route to Asia when he set out in 1492, but he discovered something far more important. Columbus made several stops on his monumental first voyage, including the present-day Bahamas, Cuba and Hispaniola.
Christopher Columbus may have been looking for a new trade route to Asia when he set out in 1492, but he discovered something far more important. Columbus made several stops on his monumental first voyage, including the present-day Bahamas, Cuba and Hispaniola.
Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas (1484-1566) Part Two: Later Years
As Bartolomé de Las Casas aged, he became increasingly convinced the the Spanish needed to stop the horrors and abuses of the colonial system in the Americas.
As Bartolomé de Las Casas aged, he became increasingly convinced the the Spanish needed to stop the horrors and abuses of the colonial system in the Americas.
Bartolomé de Las Casas (1484-1566) Part One: Defender of the Indians
Biography of Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Part One
Biography of Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Part One
Biography of Pánfilo de Narváez
Biography of Pánfilo de Narváez, Spanish conquistador and explorer
Biography of Pánfilo de Narváez, Spanish conquistador and explorer