An East German Survey Concerning Recent Soviet Historical Writings on Latin America

Abstract

MZ /1ANFRED KOSSOK'S summary of significant Soviet historical publications on Latin America mainly covers period from 1945 to present.' Kossok takes note of Russia 's growing interest in Latin American history but points to need for more pioneer labor toward formulating a Marxist perspective in this field of study. Kossok maintains that recent Soviet authors have at least set a pattern for working out a more definitive Marxist approach. For example, emphasis has been placed recently on colonial period, notably in order to counteract, according to Soviet historians, a proSpanish approach which had been encouraged by the reactionary circles within Latin-American republics and by Hispanidad movement. It follows of course that Soviet writers have felt themselves obligated to stress negative, especially economic and social, consequences of Spanish and Portuguese rule. Kossok points subsequentlyto Soviet interest in ... economic and ideological preparation as well as events and characteristics of independence movement and also finally extent and results of socio-revolutionary movements of masses before and during war for independence from Spain. Proud note is taken in this connection of studies dealing with Miranda's stay in Russia. Soviet authors appear to have a special fascination for topic of Negro revolt in Haiti. One of them states: The successful revolt of Negro slaves . . . was at its time an event that shook world of colonialism, signaled inevitable collapse of slavery, [it was also] an event that challenged legend of slavish submission of Negroes and their inability to operate as a historical force.