The History of Latin America: Collision of Cultures (Palgrave Essential Histories Series)

This summarized modern Latin American History succinctly. It provides enough information that if you want to delve deeper into a topic you have more than enough data to research it further on your own, but this book is also generalized enough to give a great overview of various countries throughout their history (even briefly touching on ancient history throughout Latin America) and especially focuses on their development to current day. It's also written in a way that is interesting and easy to read. I would recommend this book if you are working on Latin America courses in school or if you simply want to know more about that region of the world.

Eakin has written a fine, comprehensive history of Latin America (including background that aplies to all the New World discoveries). He clarifies why North America with its Western European foundation has had such a different historical trajectory from what he terms the Iberian foundation of Spain and Portugal.

This is the perfect view for someone who wants to fill in the blanks on Latin America. The region hasn't been a primary focus for study in our schools. It's a pretty easy read. Enjoy.

The book was in great condition and was perfect for me to begin studying the history of Latin America.

The author starts out by stating that he used the best recent scholarship. To say "the best" is in itself an absolute and therefore bias statement.This should be read as a one sided political or economical point of view and not as a textbook which in my eyes should remain impartial. The author is bias towards one particular theory " Dependency theory. "The father of Dependency theory was a neo-Marxist who worked at the United Nations. He stated that protectionism in trade and import substitution strategies were necessary for Latin America to reach a self-sustained economy. However, it was this same strategy that led to the lost decade of Latin America and what's more, it created a larger dependency on developed nations.He states that dismantling bureaucracies, reducing budget deficits, cutting spending, privatizing and deregulating businesses only deepened Latin America's dependency. He fails to point out that in order to reach a sound economy all these measures must be taken simultaneously and not just a few here and there. Corruption in third world countries has always been a predominant factor that affects their economy.He approves of revise dependency theory as a way to explain woman suffrage in these countries. Revised dependency theory is rooted in the feminist movement. If one considers the role of a homemaker as a neglected individual working endless hours without pay and thus, the reason to seek freedom, than, one could also reach the conclusion that the constant role of man in the labor force is indicative of the economical exploitation of man by woman.The author neglects to look at the matriarchal roots of many cultures in Latin America and the everlasting effects these had in forming societies, for example, the Chibchas in Colombia. In fact, many woman who throughout history have chosen to stay home have had a predominant saying in family matters and therefore, in society as a whole.The feminist movement seeks equality between sexes and wants to do away with the biological differences between men and woman instead of embracing them. They are guilty of sexism and of trying to destroy the family unit. This mentality is rooted in marxism. Why? - Because it pathes way for the government to play a bigger role in the lives of future generationsThis is a sad way to continue the indoctrinating process of student. Bias all the way.

All americans should read it to better understand our neighbors.Specially in our times

a good read.

ok