This examination of Chile's history covers the colonial period through to the present. It has a thematic style, which, by emphasizing continuities in such areas as urbanization and modernization, allows a coherent picture of Chile's historical development to emerge through the narrative.

This examination of Chile's history covers the colonial period through to the present. It has a thematic style, which, by emphasizing continuities in such areas as urbanization, modernization, the role of the military, workers and rural labour in society and politics, allows a coherent picture of Chile's historical development to emerge through the narrative. For this edition, all information has been updated, and a chapter has been added which covers events in Chile during the nineties, focusing especially on the transition from military to civilian government. A number of new photographs have also been added.

INTRODUCTION
1 LAND AND SOCIETY
2 THE POLITICS OF CONQUEST
3 HISPANIC CAPITALISM
4 INDEPENDENCE AND THE AUTOCRATIC REPUBLIC
5 MODERNIZATION AND MISERY
6 NITRATE
7 POLITICS, LABOUR AND THE SOCIAL QUESTION
8 CHILEAN DEMOCRACY
9 CHRISTIANS AND MARXISTS
10 DICTATORSHIP
11 CONCERTACION: THE PAST AND PRESENT