In the course of this essay frequent mention is made of the struggle for emancipation, of the part which Englishmen took in that struggle and of the great services rendered to the cause of independence by the action of British statesmen, notably Canning. In a book which aims mainly at a review of present conditions, it is impossible to enlarge upon these topics, since their adequate treatment would involve some consideration of political action on the European Continent and in the United States. But since this passage of past history bears closely on the present topic, it may be here mentioned that a brief account of these matters is given in the _Cambridge Modern History_, vol. X, chap. IX. The subject of German "peaceful penetration," which is incidentally illustrated but not expounded in these chapters, may be studied in M. Hauser's book entitled (in its English version) _Germany's Economic Grip upon the World_; also in _The Bloodless War_, translated from the Italian of Signor Ezio Gray. The character of that penetration, with its admirable as well as its odious features, is briefly and clearly set forth in a recent Report (Cd 9059) presented to the Board of Trade on enemy interests in British trade. I desire to express my indebtedness to _Le Brésil_, a weekly review of Latin-American affairs published in Paris; to _The Times_ newspaper, particularly the monthly _Trade Supplement_ and the South American number (Part 183) of _The Times History of the War_; to the weekly _South American Journal_; and to the monthly _British and Latin-American Trade Gazette_. The quotation on pages 40-41 is taken from _The Times_; and various other passages, not always verbally reproduced, are derived from the same source. It is impossible to thank by name all those who have placed at my disposal their knowledge of Latin-American countries. But I owe an especial debt of gratitude to the Master of Peterhouse for his aid and advice in the production of this book. The original matter has been considerably rearranged for purposes of publication. But wherever convenience permitted, the lecture form has been retained in order to indicate that the book owes its inception to King's College, London. F. A. K. _August 15, 1918._ CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE V INTRODUCTION--GENERAL CONDITIONS IN LATIN AMERICA 1 CHAP. I. POLITICAL CURRENTS AND FORCES 14 II. THE GERMAN OUTLOOK ON LATIN AMERICA 25 III. THE ECONOMIC WAR AND ITS PROPAGANDA 34 IV. THE RECOGNITION OF LATIN AMERICA 45 V. EFFECTS OF THE WAR ON THE REPUBLICS 53 VI. PAN-AMERICANISM 66 LATIN-AMERICAN REPUBLICS 78