This engaging, accessible account of Latin American civilization reveals the geographical, historical, and social influences that have shaped Latin America from its early history to the present. New to the second edition are additional photos, revised statistics, and a detailed look at recent political and social events, from an analysis of social ills to the increasing demand for more rights for the region's indigenous peoples.

Table of Contents

Primera Parte: El Nuevo Mundo y el encuentro de dos culturas1. Geografia de Hispanoamerica2. America precolombina3. Descubrimiento y conquista de America4. La formacion de la personalidad hispanoamericana: siglo XXSegunda Parte: Hispanoamerica contemporanea: entre la frustracion y la esperanza5. America Latina: un continente dividido6. La lucha por el desarrollo7. Los hispanoamericanos8. Panorama politico, social y cultural de la America hispanaVocabularioBibliografiaAindice alfabetico