Re-imagining Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1780-1870

Re-imagining Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1780-1870 explores how the ancient concept of "democracy" was re-imagined in the modern world between the late eighteenth and late nineteenth centuries. The process followed the French Revolution in most regions, while in Latin America, it followed independence movements. The book studies how political actors and commentators used "democracy" to characterize or debate modern conditions, highlighting state formation, race, constitutionalism, urban political culture, education, and outside views. By 1870, it was firmly established in mainstream political lexicons throughout the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Re-imagining Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1780-1870 delves into the profound transformation of the ancient concept of "democracy" to suit the modern world in Latin America and the Caribbean during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. This transformative process unfolded in diverse ways across regions, largely following the French Revolution in most parts, while in Latin America, it closely mirrored the independence movements of the 1810s and 20s. This volume, a sequel to two previous works edited by Joanna Innes and Mark Philp, Re-imagining Democracy in the Age of Revolutions: America, France, Britain, Ireland 1750-1850 and Re-imagining Democracy in the Mediterranean 1770-1860, explores how a range of political actors and commentators employed the term "democracy" to characterize and debate contemporary conditions over the ensuing half-century. By 1870, the word had firmly established itself in mainstream political lexicons throughout the region.

In this edited collection, esteemed specialists in the field offer comprehensive accounts of various aspects that shaped the re-imagining of democracy. These accounts highlight state formation, race, constitutionalism, urban political culture, education, and external perspectives on the region. The six concluding chapters delve into the variations in its fortunes across different locations, shedding light on the diverse experiences and outcomes of this democratic transformation.

Ultimately, Re-imagining Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1780-1870 serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the history of the language of democracy, fostering new and invigorating debates about its meaning and significance. Through its comprehensive analysis and insightful perspectives, this volume contributes to our understanding of the complex and evolving dynamics of democracy in the region and beyond.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 162 x 244 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197631577