HST3206 Revolution, Dictatorship and Democracy in Latin America, 1944-90

Aims/Description: This special subject uses the three themes of revolution, dictatorship and democracy to examine the history of Latin America in the second half of the twentieth century. Beginning with Guatemalan Revolution (1944-54), this module explores key events over the next four decades, including the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the rise of anticommunist dictatorships across the region in the 1960s and 1970s, the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1979, and the 'Third Wave' of democratisation that swept the region in the 1980s. Throughout, we will identify and analyse regional trends in Latin American history while remaining attentive to national dynamics. In particular, this module will focus on two subregions of Latin America: the Southern Cone (especially Chile, Argentina and Brazil) and Central America (especially Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador). Primary sources will include government documents, speeches, visual sources and other cultural outputs, including song, poems, and testimonials. This mix of different sources will allow students to consider the ways in which gender, race, and class all shaped how different Latin Americans experienced the second half of the twentieth century.

Restrictions on availability: Students must have taken at least 40 credits of HST modules at Level 2

Staff Contact: HEATH ANDREW D

Teaching Methods: Seminars, Tutorials, Independent Study

Assessment: Formal Exam, Project/ portfolio

Information on the department responsible for this unit (History):

Departmental Home Page

Teaching timetable

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Teaching methods and assessment displayed on this page are indicative for 2025-26.