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Cuba
in History
Before Columbus' voyage to Cuba,
the island was inhabited by Indians. They survived mainly
on agriculture and fishing. The three tribes on the
island were the Tainos, the Ciboneys, and the Guanajatabeyes.
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It
was the Taino Indians, a part of the race of Arawaks, who were most
common on Cuba. They had come there during the 1400s from South
America. In Cuba, they lived in a peaceful society. They farmed
such crops as corn, beans, squash, and yams. The Indians slept in
hammocks, which the Spanish would share with the rest of the world
after discovering them. They had some religious beliefs. The Tainos
would hold small gatherings and burn tobacco. They believed in life
after death and a supernatural being.
The
Indians wore no clothes, but they did know how to weave. They hunted
for small game, including many birds and ducks. They fished with
harpoons and nets, and kept the fish in small ponds until they were
ready to eat them.
In
1492, Christopher Columbus and his ships arrived at the island.
Their mission was to conquer the island, convert the natives, and
make money for Spain. Upon first seeing the Europeans, the Cuban
Indians fled. Eventually Columbus' guides coaxed the Cubans into
meeting the Spanish. Columbus had to return, but left some men on
the island. He would return with others to colonize Cuba and claim
it for Spain.
- With
many thanks to the students project of Thinkquest
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