Argentina is a country of enormous potential and challenging problems. In the latter part of the 20th century, violence and military dictatorships upset the political system and economic instability has held in check efforts to develop the country's industries. This up-to-date, one-volume history of Argentina provides a solid and engaging introduction to the persons, events and factors that have helped shape the nation. Covering the entire sweep of Argentina's history from pre-Columbian times to 2001, the narrative outlines the connections between the colonial era and the 19th century and focuses closely on the last three decades of the 20th century, during which Argentina dealt with the legacies of Peronism and of military dictatorship, as well as the challenges of establishing a stable democracy. Also included are a timeline of historic events in Argentina, biographical sketches of key people in its history, a glossary of terms and a bibliographic essay of works in English for further study.