United States - Latin American Relations, 1800-1850

Relations between the United States and the countries of Latin America have been characterized by misunderstandings based on language and culture, a lack of sustained commitment on the part of the United States, and, in some cases, incompetent diplomats. During the era when many of the Latin Americal countries discarded the yoke of coloniala status, the young United States atempted to define itself culturally, economically, constitutionally, geographically and diplomatically. As Latin America emerged from the crucible of revolution and international power politics, it was affected by the United States and its desired position of leadership in the Western Hemisphere. In order to make sense of these relationships, this volume concentrates on Central America, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile snd Mexico. Describing the particular paths taken by each in the formation of r elations with the United States, Shurbutt and his colleagues focus on the American diplomatic community and its effectiveness in tense political situations.