West Indies
Definition
A region in the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which includes thirteen independent countries and seventeen dependent territories. It was historically significant due to European colonialism and the slave trade.
Analogy
Consider West Indies as an enormous shopping mall where different stores represent different countries/territories. In history's context, this mall was highly sought after by various 'shoppers' (European powers) due to its valuable 'products' (resources).
Related terms
Caribbean Sea: A sea located in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean which is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and south west, to the north by the Greater Antilles, to the east by the Lesser Antilles, and to the south by South America.
Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Triangular Trade: A multilateral system of trading in which a country pays for its imports from one country by its exports to another. In historical context, it usually refers to the trade between Europe, Africa and Americas during colonial times.
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