1. Caribbean Islands: Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas led to the establishment of early plantations in the Caribbean islands, such as Cuba, Hispaniola (modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico. Sugarcane, tobacco, and coffee were among the primary crops grown on these plantations.
2. Brazil: European colonizers, particularly the Portuguese, established plantations in Brazil during the 16th century. Sugarcane plantations were dominant in the northeastern regions of Brazil, while coffee plantations later gained prominence in the southeastern regions.
3. North America (Southern Colonies): In the 17th and 18th centuries, plantations emerged in the Southern colonies of North America. These plantations were concentrated in areas such as Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. Tobacco, rice, indigo, and cotton were important crops grown on Southern plantations.
4. Southeast Asia: The arrival of European powers in Southeast Asia led to the establishment of plantations in regions such as Indonesia (particularly Java), the Philippines, and Malaya (modern-day Malaysia). Sugar, spices (such as nutmeg and cloves), coffee, and rubber were significant plantation crops in this region.
5. West Africa: European colonial powers established plantations in West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, and rubber were cultivated on these plantations.
It's important to note that the plantation system, characterized by large-scale agricultural production based on coerced or enslaved labor, was associated with colonial expansion and exploitation.