The history of the Caribbean is marked by the arrival of the Taino and Arawak peoples, who were the region's first inhabitants. In the late 15th century, Christopher Columbus arrived, leading to European colonization by countries like Spain, France, and Britain. This period saw the establishment of plantations and the tragic importation of enslaved Africans to work on them. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, many Caribbean nations fought for independence from colonial rule. The region has since developed a rich cultural identity influenced by its diverse heritage, including African, European, and Indigenous traditions, shaping its modern societies.