Abstract

MONZOTE, Reinaldo Funes. Sugar, deforestation and Cuban agro-industrial landscapes, 1815-1926. Varia hist. [online]. 2005, vol.21, n.33, pp. 105-128. ISSN 0104-8775.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-87752005000100006.

Between 1815 and 1926, Cuban landscapes went through great transformations as a result of the sugar industry.s expansion into its natural regions. The most visible result was a rapid deforestation giving way to the needs for fertile and combustible lands and wood for construction. This paper offers a general view of this process, which is characterized by the coincidence of two decisive factors: the concession to private individuals of the absolute right to fell trees within their properties and the introduction of technological progress from the industrial revolution era in sugar production.

Keywords : Cuba's sugar agroindustry; Cuban landscapes; Cuban history.