Synopses & Reviews
Central America is an extraordinarily beautiful part of the world, with sweeping panoramic vistas of tropical vegetation, towering mountains, and striking ethnic and racial diversity. This tropical paradise has a history as diverse as its people and cultures. Pearcy begins with the Maya in ancient Mesoamerica, then moves on to discuss European contact and the subsequent subjugation of the people of Central America by the Spaniards during the Colonial period. The book also covers the National period, independence movements, and the subsequent development of independent, sovereign Central American nations. It concludes with a look at the mid-twentieth century, when the economies, governments, and populations of the seven republics had evolved so distinctly that each has its own unique set of challenges to deal with today.
Pearcy examines the development of each individual nation and the regional similarities that propelled or constrained that development.
Synopsis
Presents a concise history of the seven nations of Central America, covering the early history of the region, the evolution of the countries from provinces to independent nations, relations with the United States, and developments during the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century. Original.
About the Author
Thomas L. Pearcy is an associate professor of History at Slippery Rock University.
Table of Contents
Timeline of Events in Central American History * An Introduction to the Seven Nations of Central America * Central America * Early Roots of Modern Central America * From United Provinces to Independent States: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua * Panama: From Columbian Province to Occupied State * The United States and Central America * The Cold War I: Communism and "Freedom Fighters" * Cold War II: Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama * Central America in the Twenty-First Century * Notable People in the History of Central America * Glossary of Foreign Language Words and Key Concepts * Central American History: A Bibliographic Essay