Wars of Latin America, 1899-1941

Abstract

From the beginning of the twentieth century through 1941, Latin America was involved in a number of conflicts and revolutions, many of which escalated into what could truly be called wars. Border disputes and domestic insurrections shaped the history of this area as many countries made the rocky transition from agrarian to industrial societies. Beginning with the War of the Thousand Days, this volume provides a concise survey of Latin American wars between 1899 and 1941. It compares and contrasts the wars and considers them in light of military theory. It also demonstrates how instrumental wars have been in directing the history of Latin America. Only major conflicts between two distinct parties (with one numbering at least a thousand people) and involving sustained combat with significant deployment of troops and an eventual victor have been included. Wars addressed include border disputes in Peru, Bolivia, Panama and Costa Rica, and domestic revolutions in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Nicaragua. The effect of U.S. influence and industrialization is also discussed. Numerous photographs and maps are also included.