Early Colonial Circum-Caribbean: Affected and Infected by Colonialism and Disease

Abstract

Oftentimes when thinking about the plantocracy, slavery and the Circum-Caribbean region, the first thing that comes to mind is the suffering endured by millions of Indige- nous populations, genocide and forced African migrants, enslaved, and tortured for the singular benefit of European enrichment. Any historical thought process is usually followed by a celebration of the region’s nutrient rich soil, an ideal climate for successful agriculture. However, there are further aspects that are not often given due weight in consideration, including the numerous subtle and intricately intertwined ways Colonialism impacted the region scientifically, specifically through disease and immunological degradation. This research paper seeks to highlight and consid- er the multiple ways in which the region was not only affected but also infected by disease and Colonialism.