The Almanac of Latin American History - by Patrick Paterson (Paperback)

About the Book

This almanac compiles the most historically significant, political and security events in Latin America and the Caribbean from 1800-2020. It contains more than 700 entries and vignettes, organized per month and specific calendar day, and boasts detailed appendices addressing i...

Book Synopsis

This almanac compiles the most historically significant events in Latin America and the Caribbean from 1800-2020, containing vignettes of more than 700 events organized per month and specific calendar day, with a foreword from Admiral James Stavridis. It focuses on major political and security incidents starting from the period of independence--including armed conflicts, famous battles, births and deaths of important figures, military coups, significant presidential elections, and independence dates.

Also included are detailed appendices addressing important economic, political, and social conditions as well as an index of over 2,000 keywords. Even the most seasoned Latin American historian will find something new in this reference. Written by a historian and former naval diplomat to the region who brings a wealth of experience to the table, the almanac has particular value to policymakers, military personnel, and diplomatic officers interested in Latin America.

Review Quotes

""Patrick Paterson's panoramic volume is the first of its kind: a comprehensive, day-by-day survey of Latin American history from independence to the present day. Scholars, students, policymakers, and diplomats alike will appreciate this go-to guide, which moves beyond the headlines and places significant developments in Latin American state formation, economic innovation, and the arts and sciences in a global context. This well-researched book represents a major contribution to our collective knowledge about some of the United States' closest neighbors and partners." --Paul J. Angelo, Director, William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies

""Patrick Paterson's Almanac of Latin American History chronicles over two centuries of important political and security events in the region. It is comprehensive in its coverage. I recommend it especially for those who may be unfamiliar with Latin America."" --David Pion-Berlin, distinguished professor, department of political science, University of California, Riverside, and author of Military Missions in Democratic Latin America

""The Almanac of Latin American History is an impressive, curated collection of the most significant political-military events that have occurred in the region. Paterson's book is a valuable, easily accessible resource for anyone who seeks to better understand and place contemporary events within a historical context. The short, compelling vignettes invite and motivate readers to learn more about these fascinating events!" --Richard D. Downie, president & CEO, World Affairs Council of Orange County and author of Learning from Conflict: The U.S. Military in Vietnam, El Salvador, and the Drug War

""Patrick Paterson has written a valuable reference guide to the history of a complex region. I commend it to military professionals, diplomats, scholars, and others who study - or work in - Latin America."" --Hal Brands, author of Latin America's Cold War

""In creating The Almanac of Latin American History, Patrick Paterson has made a major contribution to developing awareness of the importance of historical events and processes for current-day Latin America. It should be a must-read."" --Thomas C. Bruneau, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of National Security Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.

""TheAlmanac of Latin American History is a highly user-friendly reference for national security professionals working in or on the region. Paterson's organizational concept makes the volume extremely useful as a guide for novice and seasoned hand alike."" --Craig Deare, author of The Tale of Two Eagles

""This carefully compiled almanac serves as a good introduction to the innumerable facets of the history of Latin America and the Caribbean. Entries are compact and accurate, indexed to the dates on which events occurred, with summary assessments of their significance. It will be particularly useful to professionals in the security and defense spheres who need to maintain awareness of the significance of specific calendar dates. As such, it is a unique resource."" --Walter Earle, former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs

""Almanac of Latin American history is a desk-side must for our diplomats and military foreign area officers. For professionals working in the region, this almanac provides valuable context by capturing significant events that have transformed societies and institutions, and what future trajectories and outcomes could be."" --Mark Wilkins, colonel, U.S. Army (retired), and former director, William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies

"Almanac of Latin American history is a desk-side must for our diplomats and military foreign area officers. For professionals working in the region, this almanac provides valuable context by capturing significant events that have transformed societies and institutions, and what future trajectories and outcomes could be."

"Patrick Paterson has written a valuable reference guide to the history of a complex region. I commend it to military professionals, diplomats, scholars, and others who study - or work in - Latin America."

"In creating The Almanac of Latin American History, Patrick Paterson has made a major contribution to developing awareness of the importance of historical events and processes for current-day Latin America. It should be a must-read."

"Patrick Paterson's panoramic volume is the first of its kind: a comprehensive, day-by-day survey of Latin American history from independence to the present day. Scholars, students, policymakers, and diplomats alike will appreciate this go-to guide, which moves beyond the headlines and places significant developments in Latin American state formation, economic innovation, and the arts and sciences in a global context. This well-researched book represents a major contribution to our collective knowledge about some of the United States' closest neighbors and partners.

"Patrick Paterson's Almanac of Latin American History chronicles over two centuries of important political and security events in the region. It is comprehensive in its coverage. I recommend it especially for those who may be unfamiliar with Latin America."

"The Almanac of Latin American History is an impressive, curated collection of the most significant political-military events that have occurred in the region. Paterson's book is a valuable, easily accessible resource for anyone who seeks to better understand and place contemporary events within a historical context. The short, compelling vignettes invite and motivate readers to learn more about these fascinating events!

"TheAlmanac of Latin American History is a highly user-friendly reference for national security professionals working in or on the region. Paterson's organizational concept makes the volume extremely useful as a guide for novice and seasoned hand alike."

"This carefully compiled almanac serves as a good introduction to the innumerable facets of the history of Latin America and the Caribbean. Entries are compact and accurate, indexed to the dates on which events occurred, with summary assessments of their significance. It will be particularly useful to professionals in the security and defense spheres who need to maintain awareness of the significance of specific calendar dates. As such, it is a unique resource."

About the Author

PATRICK PATERSON is the Associate Dean for Research and Publications at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (WJPC). His principal areas of expertise include climate change, civil-military relations, human rights, international humanitarian law, and U.S. and Latin American history.