The essays in this volume examine the causes of civil wars in nineteenth-century Latin America. After Independence, most Latin American countries suffered acute political instability. In spite of their recurrence, these conflicts have been largely neglected by modern historiography. This volume aims at encouraging further research in the area. In addition to a general overview of the region as a whole, the volume includes chapters on Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Venzuela, Honduras, Mexico, Argentina and Bolivia. Contributors include: John Chasteen, UNC at Chapel Hill; Marie Danielle Demelas-Bohy, Institut des Hautes Etudes de l'Amerique Latine; Dario A. Euraque, Trinity College; Will Fowler, University of St Andrews; Carlos Malamud, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia; Elena Plaza, Universidad Central de Venezuela; Frank Safford, Northwestern University.