The Americas in the Revolutionary Era

By: Marshall C. Eakin, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Marshall C. Eakin

Go on an in-depth, 24-lecture exploration of important (and often overlooked) questions about the tumultuous political history of the Americas. Professor Eakin explains the cultural, economic, and political pressures each of these new American nations faced in achieving independence. In addition, he examines exactly why each revolution progressed, and succeeded or failed, as it did. Beginning with the revolution in our own 13 colonies, these lectures examine the uprisings and invasions that created the independent nation of Haiti in 1804; the wars for independence in Spanish South America; the bloody uprisings that led to Mexican independence; and the relatively bloodless revolt in Brazil. You'll also consider "counterexamples" of nations that failed to become independent or followed unusual patterns, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the British West Indies. You'll also meet the "other" founding fathers of the Americas, including Toussaint L'Ouverture, José de San Martín, Bernardo O'Higgins, and Agustín de Iturbide. Throughout these lectures, Professor Eakin brings his perspective down to ground level, spanning oceans and mountain ranges to translate those forces into dramatic events, including: a riveting portrait of life among the slaves of what was then known as Saint Domingue (later Haiti); a brilliant description of the chaotic evacuation of the Portuguese royal family as they fled to Brazil only an hour ahead of Napoleon's troops; and the bold exploits of Simón Bolívar, including his remarkable and dramatic march from the tropics of eastern Venezuela through the 13,000-foot passes of the Andes to defeat the Spanish at Boyacá and liberate Colombia.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

great series of lectures

I've actually listened to this series twice too catch up on history of the revolutions as i make trips to Latin America. I'd recommend it to anyone with an interest in how the countries on the American continents got their start.

A very informative journey - Fantastic!!!

Loved every chapter. Wonderful narrator!!!! Very knowledgeable. A fantastic journey of the Americas. Great work!!!

Very interesting

Very easy to understand, because the professor talked slowly and explained every thing. I am from Colombia, and our history of independence was not explained In detail, but the same is true for all the other countries , if you want details I guess you have to read the history of each country. I learned many I interesting things about our America with capital A !

Excellent summary.

Any additional comments?

It is very difficult in one course to explain the foundations of all of the independent countries in the Americas. However, Professor Eakin does an excellent job. The best aspect of this course is his ability to tie together the various histories of the diverse countries in the Americas. He provides a great overall view of the relations between the countries in the Americas along with the intertwined histories of Europe at these critical times.

Solid

Good and solid survey of the history of American revolutions. The lecturer was a little boring.