If anyone can point me to a book on 17-18th (1650-1750) century Caribbean history, you would be forever in my debt.
In the reading I've done so far, it seems the French, English, Dutch, and Spanish all equally profited from and ruled the West Indies. Is this a valid claim?
Did any of these 4 powers ever fall heavily to the wayside. Were the French and English the real superpowers, or did the Dutch and Spanish also maintain a competetive economic prescence in the region between 1650-1750?
To clarify. I have found a litany of books and sources on pirates and privateers during this era. What is lacking is good books and sources on the actual brokerage of power in the area, as well as the economic development and growth therein.
Sources on the difference between French, Spanish, Dutch and English purposes, goals, and uses for the West Indies during this time period. How did their economies differ, internal policies, class structures, etc.
Follow up question. I always thought that he Spanish had a more significant role than other countries such as the French or English. But recently I have come across some info that casts doubt on that claim. Were the Spanish the main power in the region? Or did they have any real competition from other powers?