| Cuba | |
 | |
| Continent | North America |
| Location | Caribbean |
| Notable inhabitants | Raja |
| Population | Spanish citizens
Slaves |
| Affiliation | Spanish Empire |
Cuba is a large island in the Caribbean Sea. It is a colony of the Spanish Empire, and the governor, Raja, resides in the capital city of Havana.
Geography[]
The island is located in the Caribbean Sea. It is 50 miles east of Hispaniola, separated by the Windward Passage. 110 miles north of Cuba is across the Straits of Florida is the peninsula of Florida. There are plantations on the island. The capital city of Havana is located on the northeastern coast, and is guarded by two forts, Morro Castle and Castillo San Salvador de la Punta.
People[]
The original inhabitants of Cuba were the Taíno people. However, by the 18th century, Cuba's population largely consisted of Spanish colonists, many of which are descended from the original native tribes, and African slaves. The people of Cuba are primarily farmers, harvesting lucrative tobacco and sugarcane using slave labor.
History[]
Background[]
During his first voyage in 1492, Christopher Columbus explored the northeastern coast of Cuba. Columbus, who was searching for a route to India, believed the island to be a peninsula of the Asian mainland. The coast of Cuba was not fully mapped until 1509, despite Spanish settlements being established on the nearby island of Hispaniola. In 1511, the Spanish sent men to establish a settlement on the island, but they encountered fierce resistance from the natives. Over the next three years, the Taínos were defeated and a settlement was established that would become Havana.
The Spanish learned how to cultivate tobacco and consume it in the form of cigars from the natives. Sugarcane was also grown on the island. At first, the local Taíno people were used as slaves, but after a series of laws were enacted that freed them, African slaves were imported.
Season One[]
Richard Guthrie has a spy in his employ in Havana, a man with expert knowledge of Spanish operations. Flint attempts to convince Richard to introduce Flint to him, so that he may find out the Urca de Lima's exact schedule. Richard refuses, saying if he were to make inquiries about the schedule of a Spanish treasure galleon, Colonial Intelligence would kill him[1].
Mr. Scott tells Eleanor Guthrie that after Dyfed Bryson arrives in Nassau, that is likely the last of her father’s supply ships they can expect, for the others will likely hear of Richard’s arrest. Scott says he can reach out to their contacts in Port Harbour, and there is also the sloop trade in Havana and Santo Domingo, but even with those they will only cover one third of their costs per ship per week. This means that in four weeks, their warehouse will be empty[2].
Season Three[]
Woodes Rogers' expedition to civilize Nassau is financially backed by the Spanish Empire. If he fails to return the Urca de Lima gold within eight weeks of his arrival in Nassau, a fleet of ten ship and 1,500 soldiers will be sent to raze Nassau[3].
After Fort Nassau is secured by Rogers, he orders Commodore Chamberlain to take control of the fort and ready the gold to be transported to Havana. The gold is stowed in Rogers’ fleet and readied for transport. It is eventually sent to Havana[4].
Season Four[]
After the pirates retake Nassau, Rogers travels to Havana to secure the aid of Governor Raja. Rogers is able to convince Raja, albeit with some difficulty, to help him or sooner or later, the pirates and their Maroon allies will turn their eyes on Cuba and its ships and plantations. Raja leads Havana's Fleet in invading Nassau, killing most of the pirates and forcing those that remain to flee. Afterwards, they return to Havana, promising not to return[5].
Quotes[]
"For if Nassau falls, if it becomes a dark symbol of what mayhem these men can unleash, a rallying cry that might be heard throughout the New World... how long before these same men turn their eyes to Cuba? To your plantations and your ships?" - Woodes Rogers to Raja in XXXIII.