This book was prepared to enable schools to incorporate material on the Caribbean into existing curricula. Four aims guided the editors in their selection and presentation of materials: (1) to show Caribbean history and contemporary realities through the eyes of ordinary people, both real and fictional; (2) to promote critical thinking rather than simply the memorization of information; (3) to stimulate students' interest by creatively combining different types of learning materials; and (4) to ensure the authenticity and relevance of the material. The book spans the 450 years from colonization of the Caribbean to the mid-twentieth century when most Caribbean territories gained their independence. Each unit includes a teacher guide, an introduction providing background information, and one or more readings. The book is divided into four parts with several readings in each section. Parts include: (1) "The First Caribbean Peoples"; (2) "Conquest and Colonial Rule"; (3) "Winning Freedom"; and (4) "Building New Nations." Contains references, a list of sources of classroom materials, and an order form. (EH)