La historia de Bolivia y la de los Estados Unidos

Beginning a new series, the Historical Institute of Potosí continues its important collection of historical essays with this comparative study of the histories of Bolivia and the United States. Seeking the most salient themes in these histories, Professor Arnade notes the flexible constitutional nature of the economic and political evolution of the United States, compared to the lack of such a framework and the consequent resort to violence in the Bolivian experience. He points out the interesting similarity between the early group of American revolutionaries of 1776 and their equally radical Bolivian counterparts of 1809, and to the triumph in both independence movements of the more conservative elements. Other pertinent comparisons and contrasts are made, especially as to recent developments in both nations. A thoughtful essay, this study does honor to the Institute’s goal of furthering historical research in Bolivia.