The question most frequently asked me since I began my stay in South America has been: "Why do they have so many revolutions there?" Possibly the events recounted in the following pages may help the reader to answer this for himself. I hope that he will share my conviction that militarism has already definitely disappeared from more than half the continent and is slowly becoming less powerful in the remainder. Constitutional traditions, inherited from Spain and Portugal, implanted a tendency toward disintegration; Spanish and Portuguese tyranny bred in the people a distrust of all rulers and governments; the war of independence brought to the front military adventurers; civil disorders were inevitable, and the search for forms of government that should be final and stable has been very painful. On the other hand, the generous impulse that prompted the movement toward independence has grown into an earnest desire for ordered liberty, which is steadily spreading among all classes. Civic capacity is increasing among the body of South Americans and immigration is raising the industrial level. They are slowly evolving among themselves the best form of government for their special needs and conditions, and a citizen of the United States must rejoice to see that that form is and will surely remain republican. It is hard to secure from the tangle of events called South American history a clearly defined picture. At the risk of repetition I have tried to tell separately the story of each country, because each has its special history and its peculiar characteristics. All of these states have, however, had much in common and it is only in the case of the larger nations that social and political conditions have been described in detail. A study of either Argentina, Brazil, Chile, or Venezuela is likely to throw most light on the political development of the continent, while Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia are more interesting to the seeker for local colour and the lover of the dramatic.

Excerpt from The South Americans: The Story of the South American Republics Their Characteristics, Progress and Tendencies; With Special Reference to Their Commercial Relations With the United States About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Thomas Cleland Dawson's 'The South American Republics' is a comprehensive two-volume exploration of the political and social landscapes of South American countries. Dawson's intricate detailing of the governmental structures, historical contexts, and cultural nuances make this work a vital resource for scholars of Latin American studies. With a clear and concise writing style, Dawson delves deep into the issues facing these young republics, providing valuable insight into the challenges and triumphs of each nation. The vivid descriptions and thoughtful analysis in this book showcase Dawson's dedication to shedding light on the intricacies of this region. The inclusion of maps and diagrams enhances the reader's understanding of the complex sociopolitical dynamics at play. Thomas Cleland Dawson, a renowned scholar of Latin American history, brings his expertise to 'The South American Republics' with a deep understanding of the region's political evolution and cultural diversity. Dawson's extensive research and firsthand experiences in South America undoubtedly influenced his decision to write this seminal work. As a respected authority in the field, Dawson's perspective adds credibility to the information presented in the book. I highly recommend 'The South American Republics' to both academic researchers and individuals interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of South America's rich history and contemporary challenges. Dawson's in-depth analysis and engaging narrative make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge of the region.