Page 47 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

THE HIST OR Y OF CUBA  45

The British fleet taking Havana in the summer of 1762
settlers and African slaves, in the early traditions. In the early 19th century,
18th century the island was still a minor a cultural movement promoted by the
colony. In the summer of 1762 Havana was intellectuals de Heredia, Varela and Villaverde
conquered by the British under the leader­ (see p32) aimed at establishing a Cuban
ship of George Pocock and Lord Albemarle, national identity. Spain, forced to recognize
who ruled for about a year. However, even the independence of other American
in this short period the British occupation colonies, eventually granted some freedom
changed the economic and social organ­ to Cuba, but then gave the island’s
ization of the island. The trade restrictions governors dictatorial powers. Years of revolts,
imposed by Spain were abolished, and Cuba which the Spanish subdued mercilessly,
began to trade openly with British colonies then ensued. However, the new Creole
in North America. The slave trade grew, with middle class no longer had vested interests
Africans being used as labourers on the sugar in the Spanish crown, and was determined
cane plantations. As a result of the Treaty of to gain independence for the island.
Paris, drawn up in 1763, Havana was returned
to the Spanish in exchange for Florida.
The Rise of National Identity
The 18th century marked the birth of a
Creole aristocracy. These people, Cuban­
born of Spanish descent, commissioned the
fine buildings which can still be seen today,
and led a colonial lifestyle based on a
combination of local, Indian and African The new Havana middle class taking a carriage ride

1697 The Treaty of Ryswyk 1762 The British attack 1830 Cuba replaces
ends the “corsair war” in and occupy Havana Haiti as the world’s
the West Indies leading producer of sugar

1650 1700 1750 1800
Captain General 1837 First Cuban
1763 The Treaty of Paris marks the end Luís de las Casas, railway line opens,
of British occupation and Havana is governor of Cuba beginning at the
given back to the Spanish 1790–96 port of Havana

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