This book includes concise descriptions of the history of 28 nations on the American continent, and focuses on features that hinder authentic development, particularly ethnic or class conflicts and wealth distribution. Its purpose is to stimulate an appreciation of history and cultural values, thus reinforcing the harmony of social relations. Essential elements of history, economics and sociology are presented in a plain and easily readable form, allowing the book to be directed to a non-specialized audience of individuals and students at the bachelors level in both developed and developing countries. The leadership of new generations will need to consider new development models based on balanced compromises between economic and technological progress and the most basic aspirations of society.Each chapter includes a brief presentation of data on the territory and the ethnic composition and current socio-economic situation of a particular American nation. They also provide a scholarly description of the main historical events, and end with a brief insight into how the successes or difficulties of the individual country relate to cultural and historical events and to the evolution of that country's national identity or, indeed, identities.