Why were the islands of the West Indies so important for traders? What was Cuba used for?

Answer 1

Someones answer points out a fact lost to history, about trading Guadeloupe for Canada.....it's hard to believe but true. These sleepy little Caribbean islands ( I'm writing this from St Thomas) known for vacation spots and Jimmy Buffet songs were once the most valuable pieces of real estate on Earth..all because of sugar cane! These islands were to 1700's economies what the Middle East is today.....sources of a scare and tremendously valuable commodity, worthy of fighting many wars over.

Answer 2

The West Indies were the site of most sugar plantations--Cuba and elsewhere. Sugar was used both as a sweetener and to make rum (which in turn was used in "negotiations" with native Americans and in the slave trade). Sugar was so valuable a commodity that at the end of the French and Indian War, there was a debate in Britain whether they should simply annex Guadeloupe and let the French keep all of Canada.

Answer 3

In the days of sailing ships the West Indies were easy to reach with the Trade Winds to take them west and the gulf stream and prevailing West winds for the return to Europe. Trade with mainland America was controlled by the Spanish who tried to exclude the British. Also trade with the mainland was difficult before the coming of mechanical transport in the late 19th century.