Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2026 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The Arawaks were a significant indigenous group in Caribbean history, primarily known for their settlement in the greater Antilles, including areas like the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. Their culture, language, and social structures played an essential role in the pre-Columbian history of the Caribbean. The decline of the Arawaks is particularly important to understand within the context of European colonization, which began in the late 15th century. Upon contact with Europeans, the Arawaks were subjected to violence, enslavement, and diseases brought by the colonizers, which devastated their populations and disrupted their way of life.

This interaction and subsequent decline highlight the profound impact of European exploration and colonization on indigenous peoples in the Caribbean, marking a significant transformation in the region's demographic and cultural landscape. Furthermore, understanding the fate of the Arawaks allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the broader themes of resistance, adaptation, and cultural change that characterized indigenous societies during this period.