Haiti: The Caribbean, Colonialism, and
Catastrophe
BY ALISA HARTSELL, TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
GEO.TXSTATE.EDU/TAGE * [email protected]
Texas Alliance for Geographic Education
Mission: To support and advocate for geographic education in the Texas educational community.
 Hosted at Texas State University in the Department of Geography
 Established in 1986 as one of eight original state alliances sponsored by the National
Geographic Network of Alliance.
 Work with Texas educators (K-12 and university faculty) to develop programs and services
in support of geography education.
Professional Development * Outreach * Leadership
Learn more at geo.txstate.edu/tage
GEO.TXSTATE.EDU/TAGE * [email protected]
Outcomes
The student’s will be able to
oDescribe how the physical environment has affected human activity in the region.
oOutline the various ways in which colonialism has impacted the islands.
oExplain economic impacts of the United States and European countries on the region
TEKS
(5) Geography. The student understands how political, economic, and social processes shape
cultural patterns and characteristics in various places and regions. The student is expected to:
◦ (A) analyze how the character of a place is related to its political, economic, social, and cultural
elements; and
◦ (B) interpret political, economic, social, and demographic indicators (gross domestic product per capita,
life expectancy, literacy, and infant mortality) to determine the level of development and standard of
living in nations using the terms Human Development Index, less developed, newly industrialized, and
more developed.
(8) Geography. The student understands how people, places, and environments are connected
and interdependent. The student is expected to:
◦ (B) describe the interaction between humans and the physical environment and analyze the
consequences of extreme weather and other natural disasters such as El Niño, floods, tsunamis, and
volcanoes; and
◦ (C) evaluate the economic and political relationships between settlements and the environment,
including sustainable development and renewable/non-renewable resources.
GEO.TXSTATE.EDU/TAGE * [email protected]
The Basics
Colonialism
In 1492…
Spanish, French, British, Dutch, and
the United States
Islands still territories
Slaves and Systems
Sugarcane
Haiti as an exception
Revolt and Effects
1792 to 1804
Reparations
Economic Effects
Social and Political Effects
Haiti’s Current Situation
Still in recovery from colonialism
2010 Earthquake continuing process
Tourism less prominent
High unemployment
Zika
Hurricane
Matthew 2012
Area has a variety of severe weather
phenomena
Source: NASA’s Scientific Visualization
Studio
GEO.TXSTATE.EDU/TAGE * [email protected]
Neighboring Countries
Dominican Republic
◦ Democracy
◦ Tourism
Cuba
◦ Castro 1958
◦ Healthcare and Education
Puerto Rico
◦ US Citizens
◦ Most dynamic economy
Jamaica
◦ Independence 1962
◦ Drugs and Music
United States “Interventions”
Haiti
◦ Embargo
Puerto Rico
◦ Territory
Cuba
◦ Spanish American War
◦ Missile Crisis
Caribbean Economics
Majority of populations in poverty
Reliant on tourism and luxury goods
Offshore Banking
Quick Quiz
How did the Haitian Revolt Effect its Economy?
What is the largest percentage of the economy in the region?
In what ways did the United States Intervene in the Caribbean?
Thank you!
For assistance with geography education in your classroom, contact TAGE via
Maggie Hutchins
[email protected]
512.245.3827
GEO.TXSTATE.EDU/TAGE * [email protected]