The Fragmented Nation: A Political History of Latin American Societies

The myth of the "Black Legend" looms large in histories of Latin America: a persistent framing of Spaniards as little more than looters and rapists. This book aims to rectify this misconception, which still holds footing in modern textbooks and histories, arguing that Latin America was in the vanguard of progress and modernity. It examines Spanish-Portuguese antagonisms, rivalry with other foreign empires, relations with Asia, Spanish/Portuguese-Indian relations, the Encomienda, Spanish/Portuguese expansion in the 1700s, the Guarani rebellion, Brazil's runaway slave community, the impact of the U.S./French revolutions on the region, relations with the United States, and many other points which are critical to developing a full and accurate political portrait of the region. Extensive coverage is given to the U.S. in Texas, the Mexican-American war, the Cuban military in Angola and Ethiopia, the Falklands/Malvinas war and other challenges to U.S. and European hegemony. The study examines support/resistance to Neoliberalism, leftist movements, and competing visions of globalization in Latin America. Special attention is placed on efforts by Latin-Americans to promote political and economic integration.