Why did people come from the West Indies?
West Indians came to Britain for many different reasons. Some were seeking better opportunities for themselves and their children. Some came to work for a while, save money and return home. Some had been recruited because Britain was short of workers to run the transport system, postal service and hospitals.
Why did these immigrants travel to America?
In the late 1800s, people in many parts of the world decided to leave their homes and immigrate to the United States. Fleeing crop failure, land and job shortages, rising taxes, and famine, many came to the U. S. because it was perceived as the land of economic opportunity.
Why was Christopher Columbus called the West Indies?
Christopher Columbus set out to find a faster sea route to India in the late 15th century. He sailed west, from Spain, hoping that he would reach India without going around the cape of good hope. He landed in the Caribbean islands instead of his destination in Asia, but he thought that he had reached India and therefore called the place ‘Indies’.
How did African Americans migrate to the West Indies?
Historically, continuous streams of migration involving people of African descent have moved back and forth between North America and the West Indies. Many of the earliest enslaved blacks in the American colonies were transported to the North American colonies by way of the Caribbean.
Why was the Spanish West Indies important to Spain?
Thererafter, when the limited supply of gold is exhausted, the Spanish West Indies survive as part of the broader economy of Spanish America. The islands are both gathering point and staging post for the fleets bringing goods from Spain and taking back the wealth of Mexico and Peru.
Is the West Indies part of North America?
Technically, West Indies is included in North America. Also, they are referred to in the group Latin America, which consists of nearly all nations south of the USA. However, sometimes Guyana and Suriname are considered to be a part of West Indies, which are completely in mainland South America.