The Invention of Latin America: A Transnational History of Anti-Imperialism, Democracy, and Race.

LATIN American history; SOCIAL constructionism; RACE; DEMOCRACY; ANTI-imperialist movements; TRANSNATIONALISM -- Social aspects; ELITE (Social sciences) -- Attitudes; LATIN American national character; NINETEENTH century; PSYCHOLOGY; HISTORY

An essay is presented on the history of the social construction of Latin America from the early 19th century through the 1860s. Particular focus is given to the role that anti-imperialism, transnationalism, race and democracy played in the development of the conception of Latin America. An overview of Latin American elites' perspective on Latin American identity is provided.