Origins of a Multiracial Society

Burns argues that a greater racial mixing has occurred in Lain America than in any other part of the world because of its unique history (Burns 6). The current population's historical antecedents lie with a group of people mistakenly referred to as "Indians" by Columbus (Burns 7). Of these early peoples, the Mayas, Incas, and Aztecs were the most successful and dominant. They shared a highly-structured society with an omnipotent emperor at the helm (Burns 9). However, each civilization was also impressive for its singular achievements. The Mayans developed an extremely efficient agricultural system

. . .
stance, difficult geography, slow communication and transportation, and local rivalries, in part spurred by isolation, encouraged the growth of a regionalism hostile to national unity (Burns 94). Experiments with federalism intensified that regionalism. With the exception of Brazil, the former vice-royalties engendered few feelings of unity among their widely dispersed residents, who tended to give their loyalty to former political subdivisions that seemed closer in harmony with regional realities and needs (Burns 94). As a result, soon after independence the former territories of the Spanish viceroyalties disintegrated. None of the eighteen new nations had clearly defined frontiers with its neighbors, a problem destined to cause war, bloodshed, and ill will ever after (Burns 95). In some cases, commercial rivalries added to the difficulties. Further, the rapid multiplication of new states raised hemispheric trade barriers, which in turn complicated and intensified those rivalries (Burns 95). In Chapter Five, "The Emergence of the Modern State," Burns argues that the many problems faced by the new nations after independence found no easy solution (Burns 128). By the mid-nineteenth century, some of the nations, particularl
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Latin American, Latin America, Latin Americans, America Burns, Indians Burns, Latin Americans--ie, Incas Aztecs, Spain Portugal, Europe Burns, Brazil Chile, latin america, latin american, burns argues, latin america burns, latin americans, america burns, twentieth century, nineteenth century, burns notes, burns maintains, burns 19, revolutions guatemala bolivia, half nineteenth century, latin america's development, twentieth century latin,
Approximate Word count = 3891
Approximate Pages = 16 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Origins of a Multiracial Society