Colonization (Europeans)

Grade: 5
Subject: Social Studies
Date: September 29, 2020
Topic: Colonization (Europeans)
 

Content
The Europeans travelled to the New World for a number 
of reasons, but key among them were:

• the pursuit of wealth and riches

• to spread Christianity

Columbus himself believed that the world was round and
 that by sailing west one could end up in the east. 
It was this premise that he took to the King and Queen of Spain 
and was offered resources while promising to take back 
valuable spices from India while achieving the monarchy’s
 two earlier stated objectives.
While not seeing much in the way of physical riches
 (gold and silver) in the Caribbean islands, a plantation-based
 farming system was adopted to help capitalize on the 
glorious climate that was detected.
 Though the Amerindians who were present at the arrival of the 
Spaniards tried to fight back, this proved futile as the 
Europeans were much more technologically advanced. 
Within a few a short years, the Tainos and other
 groups were enslaved. 
Those who didn’t die from the hardships of enslavement 
perished from the diseases which were caught from the
Spaniards.  
With no way to replace the free labour force just lost, 
the Spanish turned their attention to West Africa.
 They were able to strike deals with chieftains throughout 
the various villages there and before long, a steady stream 
of ships laden with African slaves were sailing to the 
Americas – a journey now called the Middle Passage. 
The rest is history. The arrival of the other European groups
 into the region challenging the Spanish for a share of the spoils. 
Colonization, Torture and other horrific acts that encompassed
slavery.
Here is a video showing African Slavery in the Caribbean.

 Homework
1. Comprise a list of needs and wants of the Europeans while 
coming and colonizing the Caribbean.
2. Presentations will be made to class.