Latin American History: Central America
The narrow stretch of land that links Mexico to South America has a long, complicated and often tragic history.
Biography of Anastasio Somoza García
Anastasio Somoza García seized power in Nicaragua in 1936, beginning a dynasty of rule that would pass through his two sons and last until 1979. The dictatorship years were marked by corruption and repression, but the Somozas had the support of the United States government because they were fiercely anti-communist.
Anastasio Somoza García seized power in Nicaragua in 1936, beginning a dynasty of rule that would pass through his two sons and last until 1979. The dictatorship years were marked by corruption and repression, but the Somozas had the support of the United States government because they were fiercely anti-communist.
The Biography of William Walker
William Walker was the greatest of the American "filibusters:" men who attacked sovereign nations as a private enterprise, generally with the eventual aim of joining them to the United States. His greatest triumph happened in 1855-1857, when he took control of Nicaragua and named himself president.
William Walker was the greatest of the American "filibusters:" men who attacked sovereign nations as a private enterprise, generally with the eventual aim of joining them to the United States. His greatest triumph happened in 1855-1857, when he took control of Nicaragua and named himself president.
Biography of Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés, with dwindling provisions and 600 soldiers, was able to defeat the mighty Aztec Empire and its tens if not hundreds of thousands of warriors. Later, he served as governor of New Spain and was given the title of Marquis by the King of Spain.
Hernán Cortés, with dwindling provisions and 600 soldiers, was able to defeat the mighty Aztec Empire and its tens if not hundreds of thousands of warriors. Later, he served as governor of New Spain and was given the title of Marquis by the King of Spain.
Biography of Rigoberta Menchu
Rigoberta Menchu, the controversial winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, is still active in Guatemalan politics and native rights movements around the world.
Rigoberta Menchu, the controversial winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, is still active in Guatemalan politics and native rights movements around the world.
The Colonization of Guatemala
The region of present-day Guatemala posed many challenges for would-be conquistadors and colonizers.
The region of present-day Guatemala posed many challenges for would-be conquistadors and colonizers.
Latin American History: Introduction to the Colonial Era
Of all the different time periods in the History of Latin America, the Colonial Era was the most important in shaping the modern character of the region. Here you can read six reasons why.
Of all the different time periods in the History of Latin America, the Colonial Era was the most important in shaping the modern character of the region. Here you can read six reasons why.
Rigoberta Menchu
Information on Rigoberta Menchú, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, from the official Nobel Awards site.
Information on Rigoberta Menchú, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, from the official Nobel Awards site.
Miguel Angel Asturias
A biography of Miguel Angel Asturias, the Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan writer.
A biography of Miguel Angel Asturias, the Nobel Prize-winning Guatemalan writer.