A Brief History of Peru

by Hunefeldt, Christine

• ISBN13: 9780816057948
• ISBN10: 081605794X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-10-01
• Publisher: Checkmark Books

Summary

Formerly the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	v
List of Maps	vi
List of Tables	vii
List of Abbreviations	viii
Acknowledgments	x
Introduction	xi
Ancient Civilizations (10,000 B.C.--C. A.D. 1440)	1	(11)
The Inca: The Building of an Empire (1440--1532)	12	(22)
Conquest and the Beginnings of Colonial Life (1532--1568)	34	(17)
Colonial Peru (1568--1700)	51	(21)
Colonial Institutions and the Bourbon Reforms (1700--1780)	72	(20)
Revolts and the Wars for Independence (1780--1826)	92	(18)
The Long Struggle for Stability (1826--1843)	110	(11)
The Age of Guano (1843--1879)	121	(23)
The War of the Pacific and After (1879--1900)	144	(27)
The Twentieth Century: First Decades (1900--1929)	171	(25)
Depression and Conflict (1929--1948)	196	(19)
Dictatorships and Reform (1948--1968)	215	(14)
Agrarian Reform and the Shining Path (1968--1990)	229	(22)
New Structures and Fujimori (1990--2003)	251	(41)
Appendixes
1 Basic Facts about Peru	267	(4)
2 Chronology	271	(4)
3 Bibliography	275	(12)
4 Suggested Reading	287	(5)
Index	292

Excerpts

Formerly the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, Peru has a remarkably rich history but has experienced economic problems and sporadic violence since 1980. A strong player in illegal drug trafficking, it is frequently portrayed by the media in a negative light, but with a recently reinvigorated economy and decreased unemployment rate, the country may be well on its way to restoring the social and cultural institution it once was.
From the first civilizations established on the slopes of the Andes around the second millennium BCE through the most recent social unrest and political developments—A Brief History of Peru provides a concise yet comprehensive narrative of Peruvian history. Beginning with the accomplishments of early civilizations that culminated in the great Inca Empire of the 14th to 16th centuries, the narration continues with the Spanish conquest and colonization, the country's independence in 1821, and the election of centrist leader Alejandro Toledo as president in June 2001. Clearly written and easy to understand, A Brief History of Peru is perfect for anyone interested in a closer look at the intriguing history of this country.
Special attention is given to:
The ethnic makeup of the Peruvian population, of which 80 percent is Native American and mestizo
The forbidding geography of Peru and its influence on the country's history
Peru's role in international narcotics trafficking as the world's largest producer of cocaine
Peru's relationship with its neighboring countries
Peru's struggle to develop a national consciousness
Peru's struggle to maintain a civil rather than military government.