HIST 305 Revolution in Twentieth-Century Latin America (Not offered 1999-2000)*

Throughout the twentieth century, real and potential revolutions in Latin America have fascinated and frightened U.S. observers of the region. Moreover, as recent events in Chiapas and Cuba suggest, the "threat" or "promise" of revolution may have changed with the end of the Cold War, but it did not disappear. As a way of understanding what revolution has meant for Latin America, this class will examine the socioeconomic, political, and diplomatic contexts of Latin-American revolutions to understand why some countries experienced revolution while others did not. Focusing particularly on Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Bolivia, we will also analyze the outcome of revolutionary movements. Weighing their effects on different groups, we will evaluate how revolutionary the legacies of these revolutions have been. Throughout the course the role of international actors, especially the U.S., will be central to our discussions. Evaluation will be based on class participation, two short papers, and midterm and final exams. Group C

KITTLESON