16th century Caribbean history

In the 16th century, the Caribbean was a focal point of European exploration and colonization. Following Columbus’s voyages in 1492, Spain claimed many islands, leading to the establishment of plantations and the exploitation of Indigenous peoples. The arrival of Europeans brought diseases that decimated native populations. As Spain sought to expand its wealth, other European powers like France and England began to explore and settle, leading to fierce competition for territory and resources. The Caribbean became a crucial area for the transatlantic slave trade, significantly shaping its demographic and cultural landscape that persists today.