Latin American History: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Pablo Escobar Bio
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.
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.
Columbus' First Voyage
Christopher Columbus may have been looking for a new trade route to Asia when he set out in 1492, but he discovered something far more important. Columbus made several stops on his monumental first voyage, including the present-day Bahamas, Cuba and Hispaniola.
Christopher Columbus may have been looking for a new trade route to Asia when he set out in 1492, but he discovered something far more important. Columbus made several stops on his monumental first voyage, including the present-day Bahamas, Cuba and Hispaniola.
Evita Biography
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?
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?
Ferdinand Magellan
Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese navigator and captain who led the first expedition that successfully circled the globe.
Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese navigator and captain who led the first expedition that successfully circled the globe.
Columbus' Second Voyage
Returning from the New World without having kept his promises of finding new trade routes to the far east, Christopher Columbus convinces the rulers of Spain to send him back with a larger fleet to establish a colony and trading posts in the lands he has discovered.
Returning from the New World without having kept his promises of finding new trade routes to the far east, Christopher Columbus convinces the rulers of Spain to send him back with a larger fleet to establish a colony and trading posts in the lands he has discovered.
Colonial Era Intro
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.
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.
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.
Columbus' Third Voyage
In 1498 Christopher Columbus returned for a third trip to the New World, bearing supplies for colonists and still searching for a passage to the markets of the orient. He found discontent, disease, and by 1500 he found himself en route back to Spain...only this time, he was in chains.
In 1498 Christopher Columbus returned for a third trip to the New World, bearing supplies for colonists and still searching for a passage to the markets of the orient. He found discontent, disease, and by 1500 he found himself en route back to Spain...only this time, he was in chains.
Intervention in Latin America
Latin America has been dealing with foreign intervention in its affairs since the days of Columbus. How has it changed over the years?
Latin America has been dealing with foreign intervention in its affairs since the days of Columbus. How has it changed over the years?
Top Ten Latin Americans
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.
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.
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.
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.
History of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the capitol of the Dominican Republic, is the longest continually inhabited European city in the Americas. It has a long and fascinating history, from pirate attacks to being renamed after a ruthless dictator!
Santo Domingo, the capitol of the Dominican Republic, is the longest continually inhabited European city in the Americas. It has a long and fascinating history, from pirate attacks to being renamed after a ruthless dictator!
The Pastry War
The Pastry War, fought over certain debts and reparations owed by Mexico to France, took place for several months in 1838-1839 and ended in a French Victory. Considered a minor conflict in the history of Mexico, it nevertheless had important consequences.
The Pastry War, fought over certain debts and reparations owed by Mexico to France, took place for several months in 1838-1839 and ended in a French Victory. Considered a minor conflict in the history of Mexico, it nevertheless had important consequences.
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.
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.
Top Ten Events
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.
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.
La Navidad
On Columbus' first voyage, he was forced to leave behind 39 men at a settlement he named "La Navidad." One year later, he returned to find it burned to the ground, and all of the men massacred.
On Columbus' first voyage, he was forced to leave behind 39 men at a settlement he named "La Navidad." One year later, he returned to find it burned to the ground, and all of the men massacred.
Benito Juarez Biography
Benito Juarez, one of Mexico's most important statesmen and reformers, was the most powerful Mexican politician of his era and a driving force in Mexican politics for several years.
Benito Juarez, one of Mexico's most important statesmen and reformers, was the most powerful Mexican politician of his era and a driving force in Mexican politics for several years.
Las Casas Bio 1
Biography of Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Part One
Biography of Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Part One
Venustiano Carranza Biography
Venustiano Carranza was one of the major players in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). A former Governor of Coahuila and Cabinet member under Francisco Madero, Carranza raised an army to battle rival warlords such as Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata and Victoriano Huerta. He eventually reached the presidency (1917-1920) but was assassinated.
Venustiano Carranza was one of the major players in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). A former Governor of Coahuila and Cabinet member under Francisco Madero, Carranza raised an army to battle rival warlords such as Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata and Victoriano Huerta. He eventually reached the presidency (1917-1920) but was assassinated.
Las Casas bio 2
Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas biography part two
Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas biography part two
Camilo Cienfuegos bio
Camilo Cienfuegos was one of the leaders of the Cuban Revolution, as famous to Cubans as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. Considered a hero of the revolution by Cuba's government, there are neverhteless lingering doubts about his untimely death and whether or not Fidel Castro had anything to do with it.
Camilo Cienfuegos was one of the leaders of the Cuban Revolution, as famous to Cubans as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. Considered a hero of the revolution by Cuba's government, there are neverhteless lingering doubts about his untimely death and whether or not Fidel Castro had anything to do with it.
Biography of Francisco Madero
An unlikely revolutionary, Francisco Madero (1873-1913) was a Mexican writer and politician whose efforts to democratically unseat dictator Porfirio Diaz resulted in the start of the Mexican Revolution.
An unlikely revolutionary, Francisco Madero (1873-1913) was a Mexican writer and politician whose efforts to democratically unseat dictator Porfirio Diaz resulted in the start of the Mexican Revolution.
The Bogotazo: April 9, 1948
On April 9, 1948, the poor of Bogota, Colombia, took to the streets after Liberal party leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán was gunned down int he street. The riot that ensued, known as the "Bogotazo," is one of the worst in history.
On April 9, 1948, the poor of Bogota, Colombia, took to the streets after Liberal party leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán was gunned down int he street. The riot that ensued, known as the "Bogotazo," is one of the worst in history.
The History of San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been one of the most important ports in the Caribbean for centuries. It has a long history, from Spanish conquistadors to pirate attacks to battles between American and Spanish forces in 1898.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, has been one of the most important ports in the Caribbean for centuries. It has a long history, from Spanish conquistadors to pirate attacks to battles between American and Spanish forces in 1898.
Biography of Carlos Prats
Carlos Prats was a Chilean Army General who served under President Salvador Allende. After Allende was removed in a coup, Prats fled to Argentina, where Chilean agents assassinated him in 1974.
Carlos Prats was a Chilean Army General who served under President Salvador Allende. After Allende was removed in a coup, Prats fled to Argentina, where Chilean agents assassinated him in 1974.
Diego Rivera bio
Diego Rivera was Mexico's best-known muralist. An avowed communist, he was as well known for controversy as art, and his is also famous for his volatile marriage to fellow artist Frida Kahlo.
Diego Rivera was Mexico's best-known muralist. An avowed communist, he was as well known for controversy as art, and his is also famous for his volatile marriage to fellow artist Frida Kahlo.
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.
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.
Nat'l History Museum Santiago
Chile's National History museum is well worth a visit, as it contains a wealth of information and many priceless historical relics.
Chile's National History museum is well worth a visit, as it contains a wealth of information and many priceless historical relics.
Cinco de Mayo
The famous "Cinco de Mayo" widely celebrated in Mexico is not, as many believe, Mexico's Independence day, but rather the anniversary of a battle between French and Mexican forces on May 5, 1862. The Mexicans, outnumbered and outgunned, won with determination and courage that is still celebrated today.
The famous "Cinco de Mayo" widely celebrated in Mexico is not, as many believe, Mexico's Independence day, but rather the anniversary of a battle between French and Mexican forces on May 5, 1862. The Mexicans, outnumbered and outgunned, won with determination and courage that is still celebrated today.
The Thousand Days' War
The Thousand Days' War, a Civil War fought in Colombia from 1899-1902, devastated the nation and brought about the secession of Panama as an independent nation.
The Thousand Days' War, a Civil War fought in Colombia from 1899-1902, devastated the nation and brought about the secession of Panama as an independent nation.
Tupamaros
The Tupamaros were a Marxist urban guerrilla group that operated in Uruguay from the early 1960's to the mid-1980's. Their most high-profile action was the kidnapping and murder of American FBI agent Dan Mitrione in July-August of 1970. After the general amnesty of 1985, many former Tupamaros went into politics, and several have been elected to important political positions.
The Tupamaros were a Marxist urban guerrilla group that operated in Uruguay from the early 1960's to the mid-1980's. Their most high-profile action was the kidnapping and murder of American FBI agent Dan Mitrione in July-August of 1970. After the general amnesty of 1985, many former Tupamaros went into politics, and several have been elected to important political positions.
Pascual Orozco Biography
Pascual Orozco was an important leader during the early days of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). For a while, he commanded the largest rebel army in the field, but his fortunes fell when he supported the unpopular Victoriano Huerta. He died in a gunfight in Texas in 1915 as he tried to re-enter Mexico and raise a new army.
Pascual Orozco was an important leader during the early days of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). For a while, he commanded the largest rebel army in the field, but his fortunes fell when he supported the unpopular Victoriano Huerta. He died in a gunfight in Texas in 1915 as he tried to re-enter Mexico and raise a new army.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emperor Maximilian of Mexico
From 1864 to 1867, Mexico was ruled not by a president, but by an Emperor: from a noble Austrian family, no less. Maximilian of Austria tried hard, but he was unloved by the people and eventually executed.
From 1864 to 1867, Mexico was ruled not by a president, but by an Emperor: from a noble Austrian family, no less. Maximilian of Austria tried hard, but he was unloved by the people and eventually executed.
Augusto Pinochet Bio
Augusto Pinochet (1915-2006) was a general in the Chilean military who also served as president and dictator for almost twenty years.
Augusto Pinochet (1915-2006) was a general in the Chilean military who also served as president and dictator for almost twenty years.
William Walker Biography
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 Orlando Letelier
Orlando Letelier was a rising political star in Chile in 1973, when General Augusto Pinochet seized control of the government. Living in exile, Letelier was an outspoken critic of the military regime, and in September, 1976, he was killed in Washington, D.C. by Chilean agents: an attack on US soil by an "ally" in the war on communism.
Orlando Letelier was a rising political star in Chile in 1973, when General Augusto Pinochet seized control of the government. Living in exile, Letelier was an outspoken critic of the military regime, and in September, 1976, he was killed in Washington, D.C. by Chilean agents: an attack on US soil by an "ally" in the war on communism.
Biography of Francisco Madero
An unlikely revolutionary, Francisco Madero (1873-1913) was a Mexican writer and politician whose efforts to democratically unseat dictator Porfirio Diaz resulted in the start of the Mexican Revolution.
An unlikely revolutionary, Francisco Madero (1873-1913) was a Mexican writer and politician whose efforts to democratically unseat dictator Porfirio Diaz resulted in the start of the Mexican Revolution.
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.
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.
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.
MCAPsantiago
One of Santiago, Chile's best-loved and oft-visited museums, the Pre-Colombian Art Museum is a fascinating cross between a history and an art museum. There is ample information on the cultures that produced the pieces on display, but they were selected for aesthetics. It's a don't-miss when in Santiago for lovers of art, history and both.
One of Santiago, Chile's best-loved and oft-visited museums, the Pre-Colombian Art Museum is a fascinating cross between a history and an art museum. There is ample information on the cultures that produced the pieces on display, but they were selected for aesthetics. It's a don't-miss when in Santiago for lovers of art, history and both.
Motolinia
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.
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 Battle of Celaya
In Mexico in early 1915, two titans prepared for a face off. The famous Pancho Villa, bandit, horseman and warlord, owned the lawless north. Sent to tame him was Alvaro Obregon, the brilliant former chick pea farmer who was fast becoming one of the Mexican Revolution's best generals. They met at the town of Celaya on April 6-15, 1915, in a contest that would resonate all over Mexico.
In Mexico in early 1915, two titans prepared for a face off. The famous Pancho Villa, bandit, horseman and warlord, owned the lawless north. Sent to tame him was Alvaro Obregon, the brilliant former chick pea farmer who was fast becoming one of the Mexican Revolution's best generals. They met at the town of Celaya on April 6-15, 1915, in a contest that would resonate all over Mexico.
Alberdi Biography
Juan Bautista Alberdi was a writer, diplomat and intellectual who was critical during the formation of the modern Republic of Argentina after the 1852 downfall of dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas. Foremost among his many accomplishments is the authorship of Argentina's first constitution.
Juan Bautista Alberdi was a writer, diplomat and intellectual who was critical during the formation of the modern Republic of Argentina after the 1852 downfall of dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas. Foremost among his many accomplishments is the authorship of Argentina's first constitution.
Latin American History - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Latin American History guide site.
An index of Profiles for the Latin American History guide site.
Fujimori Biography
Alberto Fujimori, President of Peru from 1990-2000, is something of an enigma. Is he the one who controlled Peru's runaway economy, ending inflation and providing economic security for millions? Is he the man who ended years of terrorism in Peru by capturing leaders of the Shining Path and other terrorist groups? Or is he the one who oversaw unheard-of levels of corruption that saw $600 million in skimmed funds over ten years? The answers are not easy to find.
Alberto Fujimori, President of Peru from 1990-2000, is something of an enigma. Is he the one who controlled Peru's runaway economy, ending inflation and providing economic security for millions? Is he the man who ended years of terrorism in Peru by capturing leaders of the Shining Path and other terrorist groups? Or is he the one who oversaw unheard-of levels of corruption that saw $600 million in skimmed funds over ten years? The answers are not easy to find.
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.
Latin American History - Articles
An index of Articles for the Latin American History guide site.
An index of Articles for the Latin American History guide site.