Land, Labor, and Trade – Historical Context for Belmont’s Atkins Family in Cuba

Legacy of Slavery Project member, Karen Brennan, will present an overview of European empires in the Americas from the 16th - 19th centuries, with focus on the use of enslaved labor to cultivate cash crops and generate wealth through trade.  With U.S. roots in the British empire, we will also explore how colonial regions in North America - especially New England - played a role in the Triangle Trade systems between Europe, Africa and the Americas.  Finally, we will examine enslaved labor and sugar plantations in the Caribbean with emphasis on Cuba.