Articles Index

Biography of Cornelio Saavedra

Cornelio Saavedra was one of the leaders of Argentina's independence movement. He served ably as leader of a ruling junta from 1810-1811, but was removed from power by those who favored a clean break from Spain.

Mexican Revolution: Biography of Pancho Villa

Few men are as legendary in Latin American History as Pancho Villa. Bandit, general, warlord, hero and murderer, Villa is a complicated and fascinating historical figure and one of the giants of the Mexican Revolution.

The Battle of Zacatecas

June, 1914: Surrounded on all sides by rebel armies, Mexican President Victoriano Huerta sent most of his remaining soldiers and one of his best generals to defend the strategic city of Zacatecas. The federal troops dug in and set their defenses. It seemed invulnerable, but their opponent was Pancho Villa and the mighty Division of the North. The resulting clash became the stuff of legend.

Who Killed Pancho Villa?

When legendary warlord Pancho Villa was gunned down in July of 1923, most Mexicans suspected a conspiracy...and they were right. Who killed Pancho Villa? The conspiracy went all the way to the top: the Mexican Presidential Palace.

The Truth About Christopher Columbus

In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered lands previously unknown to Europeans. Since then, his image has had its ups and downs. Some think he was a brave hero, and he was nominated for sainthood at one point. Others think he was a monster who brought slavery and disease to the New World. What's the truth about Christopher Columbus?

Biography of Pedro de Alvarado

Hundreds of Spanish conquistadores came to the New World in search of glory and gold. These men were all violent and ruthless, but one man stood out from the rest for his cruelty: Pedro de Alvarado, conqueror of the Maya.

Biography of Victoriano Huerta

Victoriano Huerta was a Mexican general who briefly became president during the Mexican Revolution. Responsible for the murder of Francisco Madero, he was widely despised by other revolutionaries like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata.

The Tlatelolco Massacre

The Tlatelolco Massacre, often referred to as "Mexico's Kent State," was in reality far more horrific, as hundreds of protesters, most of them students, were gunned down by government security forces.

National History Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional) Santiago, Chile

Chile's National History museum is well worth a visit, as it contains a wealth of information and many priceless historical relics.

Francisco de Miranda, Precursor of Latin American Independence

Francisco de Miranda (1750-1816) was a Venezuelan patriot, adventurer and general who made important contributions early in Latin America's struggle for independence from Spain.

Fray Toribio de Benavente "Motolinía"

Fray Toribio de Benavente, better known by his nickname "Motolinía," was one of the first Spanish friars to arrive in the new World. A tireless evangelizer, he claimed to have baptized over 400,000 natives. Like Bartolomé de Las Casas, he was an early defender of the New World natives.

The History of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina, has a long and fascinating history of wars, economic booms and busts, and art. Full of characters like Evita Perón, Juan Manuel de Rosas and Carlos Gardel, this important city has more than its fair share of historical drama.

The History of São Paulo

São Paulo, Brazil, is the largest city in Latin America, edging out runner-up Mexico City by a couple million inhabitants. It has a long and interesting history, including serving as home base for the infamous bandeirantes.

Biography of Lope de Aguirre

Lope de Aguirre, conquistador and soldier of the Spanish Empire, was a typical mercenary until 1561, when he went mad seeking El Dorado in the dense Amazonian rainforest. What followed is the stuff of legend.

Chavez and Bolívar

Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, said recently that he would like to reopen the famous case of the death of Simón Bolívar, who died in 1830. Why would he want to do so? Here’s the scoop.

The Ten Most Important Events in the History of Latin America

Latin America has always been shaped by events: wars, rebellions, invasions and more. Which have been the most important? My top ten are based on international and domestic impact.

Antonio de Montesinos

On December 4, 1511, Dominican friar Antonio de Montesinos delivered a scathing sermon to the Spanish colonists on Hispaniola, criticizing them for enslaving the natives of the Caribbean. He was practically run out of town, but continued his work on behalf of better conditions for the natives until his death in 1545.

Amerigo Vespucci, Explorer and Navigator

Amerigo Vespucci was one of the most important explorers during the age of discovery. An able mariner, he made two trips to the New World and explored the coast of Brazil. It was his descriptions of the lands he found that caused a French cartographer to name them "America" in his honor.

Biography of María Eva "Evita" Perón

Evita Perón is well-known as the subject of a very successful musical...but what was she really like? Who was this remarkable woman who had captured the attention of the world by the time of her tragic death at the age of 33?

Biography of Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar was the greatest Colombian drug lord, whose Medellín cartel once controlled 80% of the cocaine shipped illegally into the United States. Although his personal fortune reached into the billions, his crimes eventually caught up with him and he was killed in a dramatic raid by Colombian security forces in 1993.

Armor and Weapons of the Spanish Conquistadors

With just a few hundred men, the Spanish were able to bring down and control the mighty Aztec and Inca, powerful Empires with armies in the thousands. How were they able to do it? The weapons and armor of the conquistadors had a lot to do with their success.

Independence from Spain

For most of Latin America, independence from Spain came between 1806 and 1825. Each region took a different path to independence, with different leaders and battles.

Latin America: Causes of Independence

In 1810, Spain's New World Empire stretched from the American Northwest to Tierra del Fuego. By 1825, it retained only a handful of islands. What happened? How and why did Spain lose so much, so quickly?

The Ten Most Influential Latin Americans in History

Latin America has had its share of leaders, but these ten people have made a difference not only in their home country, but in the world.

Unsolved Murder Mystery: The Galapagos Affair

The Galapagos Islands are famous for being remote and sparsely inhabited. They only rarely come to international attention. That all changed in 1934, when the islands were home to a scandal involving sex, lies and murder. When all was said and done, three people were dead and two more missing. Do you think you can solve a mystery that has baffled historians for almost a century?