Colin M. MacLachlan

Why has Argentina failed so spectacularly, both economically and politically? It is a puzzle because the country seemed to have all the requirements for greatness, including a well-established middle class of professionals. Its failure raises the specter that other middle-class societies could also fail. In Argentina, MacLachlan delivers history with a plot, a sense of direction and purpose, and fascinating conclusions that reveal a much more complex picture of Argentina than one might have had in mind prior to reading this book. Argentina traces the roots of the nation from the late colonial period to the present, and examines the impact of events that molded it: the failure of political accommodation in 1912, the role of the oligarchy, the development of a middle class, gender issues, the elaboration of a distinct culture, the era of Peron, the army, and the dirty war. The conclusion suggests the reasons for the nation's difficulties. The IMF, World Bank, and international financial markets play a role, but so does a high level of political corruption and mismanagement of the economy that emerged from political and economic failure. Juan and Eva Peron tried to override politics to create an economic and social balance between urban labor and agriculture interests, but failed. The dirty war arose from that failure. Nationalism forged a culture of victimization and resentment that continues to this day. Laying aside standard explanations, MacLachlan presents a portrait of Argentina that emphasizes the role of a destructive nationalism—and a form a corruption that turns citizens into clients.

What Went Wrong

Argentina

Jaime E. Rodriguez O.

"The Forging of the Cosmic Race" challenges the widely held notion that Mexico's colonial period is the source of many of that country's ills. The authors contend that New Spain was neither feudal nor pre-capitalists as some Neo-Marxist authors have argued. Instead they advance two central themes: that only in New Spain did a true mestizo society emerge, integrating Indians, Europeans, Africans, and Asians into a unique cultural mix; and that colonial Mexico forged a complex, balanced, and integrated economy that transformed the area into the most important and dynamic part of the Spanish empire. The revisionist view is based on a careful examination of all the recent research done on colonial Mexican history. The study begins with a discussion of the area's rich pre-Columbian heritage. It traces the merging of two great cultural traditions—the Meso-american and the European—which occurred as a consequence of the Spanish conquest. The authors analyze the evolution of a new mestizo society through an examination of the colony's institutions, economy, and social organization. The role of women and of the family receive particular attention because they were critical to the development of colonial Mexico. The work concludes with an analysis of the 18th century reforms and the process of independence which ended the history of the most successful colony in the Western hemisphere. The role of silver mining emerges as a major factor of Mexico's great socio-economic achievement. The rich silver mines served as an engine of economic growth that stimulated agricultural expansion, pastoral activities, commerce, and manufacturing. The destruction of the silver mines during the wars of Independence was perhaps the most important factor in Mexico's prolonged 19th century economic decline. Without the great wealth from silver mining, economic recovery proved extremely difficult in the post-independence period. These reverses at the end of the colonial epoch are important in understanding why Mexicans came to view the era as a "burden" to be overcome rather than as a formative period upon which to build a new nation.

A Reinterpretation of Colonial Mexico

The Forging of the Cosmic Race

Over time, Brazil has evolved into a well-defined nation with a strong sense of identity. From the natural beauty of the Amazon River to the exciting resort city of Rio de Janeiro, from soccer champion Pelé to classical musician Villa Lobos, Brazil is known as a distinctive, diverse country. This book provides a well-rounded, brief history of Brazil that uniquely focuses on both the politics and culture of the republic. Colin MacLachlan uses a political narrative to frame the evolution of national culture and the formation of national identity. He evaluates Brazilian myths, stereotypes, and icons such as soccer and dancing as part of the historical analysis. A History of Modern Brazil will inform and entertain students in courses on Brazil and modern Latin America.

The Past Against the Future

A History of Modern Brazil

William H. Beezley

This narrative on the history of Mexican people examines the challenges they have faced since independence, telling the story of their resiliency and creative character during the past two years of political and economic change. It examines the national boundary not as a barrier, but as the setting of complex interactions resulting in the convergence of cultures; and, in so doing, reveals the Mexican experience not only in Mexico, but in what is today the southwestern United States.Discusses the Mexican experience according to major political, economic, cultural, and social watersheds--the rhythms that affect the people--rather than the traditional presidential administrations. Provides historical insight into contemporary events in Mexico, taking into account the events of the presidential election of 1994, revelations of corruption involving President Salinar's brother, and the Zapatista Liberation Army. Reevaluates the Salinas government, and adds information on the Zedillo regime, recent cultural development in music and movies, and Mexican campaigns to create a ready reserve of troops. For historians.

A History of Greater Mexico

El Gran Pueblo

Their empire unmatched in military and cultural might, the Aztecs were poised on the brink of a golden age, when the arrival of the Spanish changed everything. Colin MacLachlan explains why Mexico is culturally Mestizo while ethnically Indian and why Mexicans remain orphaned from their indigenous heritage—the adopted children of European history.

Imperialism and the Origins of Mexican Culture

The Role of Ideas in Institutional and Social Change

Spain's Empire in the New World

Alan W. Reid

Alan W.. Reid

Emeritus John Christy Barr Distinguished Professor Colin MacLachlan

Colin Maclachlan

Recently there has been considerable interest in developing techniques based on number theory to attack problems of 3-manifolds; Contains many examples and lots of problems; Brings together much of the existing literature of Kleinian groups in a clear and concise way; At present no such text exists

Colin M. MacLachlan

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