Best of
Latin-American-History
2004
Avengers of the New World: The Story of the Haitian Revolution
Laurent Dubois - 2004
Within a few years, the slave insurgents forced the French administrators of the colony to emancipate them, a decision ratified by revolutionary Paris in 1794. This victory was a stunning challenge to the order of master/slave relations throughout the Americas, including the southern United States, reinforcing the most fervent hopes of slaves and the worst fears of masters.But, peace eluded Saint-Domingue as British and Spanish forces attacked the colony. A charismatic ex-slave named Toussaint Louverture came to France's aid, raising armies of others like himself and defeating the invaders. Ultimately Napoleon, fearing the enormous political power of Toussaint, sent a massive mission to crush him and subjugate the ex-slaves. After many battles, a decisive victory over the French secured the birth of Haiti and the permanent abolition of slavery from the land. The independence of Haiti reshaped the Atlantic world by leading to the French sale of Louisiana to the United States and the expansion of the Cuban sugar economy.Laurent Dubois weaves the stories of slaves, free people of African descent, wealthy whites, and French administrators into an unforgettable tale of insurrection, war, heroism, and victory. He establishes the Haitian Revolution as a foundational moment in the history of democracy and human rights.
Andean Archaeology
Helaine Silverman - 2004
Explores the rise of civilization in the Central Andes from the time of the region's earliest inhabitants to the emergence of the Inca state many thousands of years later. Comprised of 13 newly commissioned chapters written by leading archaeologists representing current thinking in the field. Presents the central debates in contemporary Inca and Andean archaeology. Progresses chronologically and culturally to reveal the processes by which multiple Andean societies became increasingly complex.
Haiti: A Slave Revolution: 200 Years After 1804
Gregory Dunkel - 2004
The agonies and exaltations of the country and its people will garner the reader's empathy and illustrate why the Haitian Revolution is still considered a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Haiti's impact on the United States, including voodoo economics, and the effects of U.S. embargoes against the country are discussed along with plausible reasons for occupation.