How did Santo Domingo, Havana, and San Juan support Spanish trade in the Caribbean?

Santo Domingo, Havana, and San Juan each played distinct roles in supporting Spanish trade and colonial interests in the Caribbean:

• Santo Domingo: Founded in 1496, it served as the capital of the first Spanish colony in the New World and acted as the primary base for early Spanish expeditions of exploration and conquest throughout the West Indies and the adjacent mainland. It established the model for the Spanish-American city, functioning as a stable administrative and commercial headquarters for the region.12
• Havana: By the 17th century, Havana became a critical rendezvous point for eastbound Spanish fleets carrying treasure from the New World back to Spain. Its strategic importance as a port grew significantly over time, eventually thriving on the sugar and slave trades.3
• San Juan: Recognizing its strategic location, Spain transformed San Juan into a heavily fortified military outpost to guard its empire. Using subsidies from Mexican mines, the city was protected by massive fortifications like El Morro, which allowed it to dominate the harbor entrance and secure Spanish interests against foreign powers.4