Antillean Confederation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Antillean Confederation Confederación de las Antillas
Flag
Orthographic Projection of Antillean Confederation. Original proposed members in dark green and additional proposed members in light green.
Largest city	Santo Domingo
Official languages	Spanish
Area
• Total	167,429.78 km2 (64,645.00 sq mi) (89)
Today part of	Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

The Antillean Confederation was a big idea from Ramón Emeterio Betances. He believed that people in the Caribbean needed to join together. This union would help protect the freedom and well-being of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

People who supported this idea wanted to free Cuba and Puerto Rico from Spain. They hoped to then unite these islands with the Dominican Republic. This would create a strong, united nation in the Spanish Caribbean. Some even wanted to include Haiti and Colombia.

What Was the Antillean Confederation Idea?

The Antillean Confederation was a plan for Caribbean countries to unite. It was a dream of freedom and working together. The main goal was to end European colonialism in the Americas. This means stopping European countries from controlling lands in the Caribbean.

It was also a response to a famous saying: "America for the Americans." This saying meant that European powers should not interfere in the Americas. Betances changed it to "Antilles for the Antilleans." This meant the Caribbean islands should be for the people living there.

Why Was This Idea Important?

Many important leaders and generals supported this idea. They had fought in major wars for independence. These included the Dominican War of Independence and the Cuban War of Independence. Support for the Confederation was strongest from the 1850s.

However, the idea began to fade after the Spanish–American War. This war changed who controlled Cuba and Puerto Rico. They went from being Spanish colonies to being under the control of the United States.

Who Supported This Idea?

Many strong leaders believed in the Antillean Confederation. They often met in San Felipe de Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic.

Here are some key supporters:

• Eugenio María de Hostos: He was also known as The Citizen of the Americas.
• Gregorio Luperón: A hero from the Dominican Restoration War.
• José Martí: Often called The Apostle of Cuban Independence.
• José de Diego
• Ramón Emeterio Betances
• Anténor Firmin

See also

In Spanish: Confederación Antillana para niños

• Spanish Caribbean
• History of Puerto Rico
• History of Dominican Republic
• History of Cuba
• Latin American integration
• Patria Grande