A Brief History of Argentina

This book provides a readable overview of Argentinean history. As one could imagine, the chapters are arranged in a chronological fashion—from pre-colonial times to modern days— and each recounts the most important events of a particular era, along with a healthy dosage of analysis and interpretation. Personally speaking, my favorite chapters are those describing the country’s history from 1880 to the present day.From the late 19th century to around 1930, the country witnessed major economic growth supported on an export-import economy that earned the country a reputable position as a world producer of agricultural products. This growth was likewise supported by a massive influx of mostly European immigrants who arrived into the country pursuing better livelihoods. However, the book does not explain the reasoning for the arrival of the immigrants; why did the immigrants suddenly depart for Argentina in massive waves? Neither does the book provide information as to why the federal government allowed for the settlement of these immigrants. Perhaps, these questions could be addressed in a future new edition of the book.Then, in the mid-1900s, readers are presented with the rise of Peronism, a movement that originated with the political career of Juan Peron, whom I deem one of the most influential politicians of Argentina’s history. As the leader and patron of the urban working class in the mid-1900s, this populist politician engineered and effected public policies that both benefited and restrained his constituencies, even if they remained oblivious to their effects. President Peron remains relevant today because (to the best of my understanding) there are still political parties in Argentina upholding his legacy.My last favorite event in the book is the so-named Dirty War, which certainly still taps into the sensitivity of Argentine citizens and international observers alike. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Argentina was ruled by alternating military juntas that unleashed harsh repression against leftist terrorists. The book offers a suitable, brief introduction to this very grim episode of Argentine history.I have been able to retain and interpret so much information because the read is very engaging and entertaining. Nonetheless, I would suggest that the information concerning economic and monetary issues and policies be given further explanation for the non-specialist audience. Given that said policies oftentimes determine the path of a country’s development, they remain a crucial affair in historical narration, but they tend to be misunderstood and/or subsequently forgotten because there is a lack of context. More than certainly, a more elaborate narration on these issues would be very appreciated by the broader audience. Having said all this, I would most certainly recommend this book to anyone who might want to begin navigating Argentinean history.

Regardless of any criticism by other reviewers of one or another paragraph, I find this to be a very clearly written, concise, but at the same time thorough review of Argentina's history. Like other works in this series it is made attractive by illustrations and informative excerpts from other works or source materials included in the sidebars. I find the sections on Argentina's colonial history and that of the 19th century especially enlightening. The book does a great job of showing continuity and change in Argentina and is quite well balanced in presenting the conflicting interests over time of various sections of Argentine society. The book is suitable for the general public as well as those with more specialized interests, great for the comparative study of Latin American countries. It does a good job of showing the interplay of political, cultural and economic forces in the history of the nation.Unlike some other Kindle Versions in the "Brief History" series (see the price currently being charged for the Brief Histories of Bolivia and Peru or the Greenwood introduction to the history of Ecuador, this work is very reasonably priced. This makes a big difference to struggling students, adjunct professors, and ordinary working people.A great work at a reasonable price. A Brief History of Argentina

This is a scholar history of Argentina. If you are interested in facts supported by research and hard data, this is a book for you. The book is thorough , well documented but not easy to read.Author uses language that is appropriate for academic community and it does not make attempts to make this text accessible for all audiences. The tone of the book as much as factual it is also negative . I am not a historian so I am not sure if asking the question "What is Wrong with Argentina" applies to the country. I bought this book to learn quickly about this soon to be visited country so I chose the book with the word "brief `` in the title, but I didn`t bargain for the "truth" that may be not objective.In summary, book is very informative but its delivery leaves bitter taste in the reader's mind.

I read this in prep for a week in Buenos Aires. Author concentrates only on economic and political issues, so a bit narrow. But a good intro for a traveler

Concise and well written. A good source to grasp the main drivers of Argentine history and culture.. o recommend it.

Even as a summary, the author manages to be completely vapid and astutely avoids references. A waste of perfectly good paper.

It sometimes mentions facts, such as wars, and doesn't explain why they happened, or what consequences they brought. But it's good to have a general idea about Argentine history and understand Argentine culture.

This book is a clearly written, short but comprehensive history which helps a visitor make sense of a puzzling country.

A well written book ,very easy to understand