The History of Cuba, vol. 2

In this richly illustrated volume, listeners travel back to the early 1700s, when the Treaty of Utrecht reshaped the Caribbean and set Cuba on a new commercial trajectory. The narrative explains how European rivalries—especially England’s mercantile ambitions—began to dominate the island’s trade, turning colonial policy into a chessboard of profit and power. By tracing these geopolitical shifts, the book lays the groundwork for understanding the forces that would shape Cuban society for the next century.

A central thread follows the remarkable career of Francisco de Arango y Parreño, a Havana‑born advocate and statesman whose ideas on agriculture, education, and commerce aimed to modernize the colony. Through his story, listeners hear about early attempts at economic reform, the founding of pioneering schools, and the push for a more enlightened approach to farming. The volume’s vivid plates and maps bring the era to life, offering a clear picture of Cuba’s formative years.