The Course of Andean History

by Peter V.N. Henderson

The only comprehensive history of Andean South America from initial settlement to the present, this useful book focuses on Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, the four countries where the Andes have played a major role in shaping history. Although Henderson emphasizes the period since the winning of independence in 1825, he argues that the region's republican history cannot be explained without a clear understanding of what happened in the pre-Hispanic and colonial eras Henderson carefully explores the complex relationship between the Andean peoples and their land up until the fall of the Inka Empire in 1532 before addressing the Spanish conquest and the colonial aftermath, emphasizing the syncretism often unwillingly forced upon the original inhabitants of the region. His account of the nineteenth century discusses the attempts of the Andean elite to fashion modern nation-states in the face of many divisive factors, including race. The final chapters carry the story from 1930 to the present as the Andean countries debated different ways to create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Julian Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is good reason for a history based on the Andean region where the Inca held sway (and a little more) before Lima was established as the Spanish capital of rich imperial provinces. Without straining for grand over-arching analysis, this is pure history delivered and allows readers to appreciate the constants and dynamics of this most interesting and historically important region of the world.

[Jimmy Posso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is essential

Since I read it it has become interesting and I can see what my ancestors went through! It took little time to read