Area Studies: Latin America
Area Studies microforms collections are those collections which pertain to a specific region and/or country. Collections are grouped by region, and within region, alphabetically by country. Be sure to check listings for both the general resources and the country to find all collections with information about your subject. Countries are listed under their current official name in English.
- General
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Return to the Area Studies Index Page
General
CIA RESEARCH REPORTS: LATIN AMERICA, 1946-1976.
Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1982.
5 reel(s)
In these initially classified research reports, the Central Intelligence Agency examines Latin American domestic politics, foreign relations, and economic issues. Specifically, the reports include an evaluation of Soviet objectives in Latin America, as well as reports on Cuban training of subversives, political instability, and clerical involvement in politics. The material then proceeds to evaluate each of eighteen countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. There is a disproportionate amount of material on Cuba after the Revolution of 1959, and the Dominican Republic around the time of American intervention in 1965.
Guides:
CIA research reports : Latin America, 1946-1976 guide.
The guide provides a list of all documents included and a subject index.
COLECCIÓN DE DOCUMENTOS INÉDITOS RELATIVOS AL DESCUBRIMIENTO, CONQUISTA Y ORGANIZACIÓN DE LAS ANTIGUAS POSESIONES ESPAÑOLAS DE AMÉRICA Y OCEANIA.
Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress Photoduplication, 1978.
7 reel(s)
These documents from the Royal Indian Archives and other royal archives, covering the period from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, relate to the discovery, conquest, and settlement of former Spanish possession in the Americas and East Indies. The collection includes forty-two separate volumes. Although there is no systematic arrangement for the documents, an index is included at the end of each volume and volume 33 includes a retrospective, chronological index covering the years 1474-1660.
HUMAN RELATIONS AREA FILES.
Ann Arbor, Mich: University Microfilms International, 1968.
Human Relations Area Files
The Human Relations Area Files (HRAF) were developed to facilitate study, teaching, and research in the behavioral sciences, in area studies, and in the humanities. They should be especially valuable as a basis for world and comparative studies of human behavior, social life, and culture in the fields of anthropology, sociology, geography, politics, and psychology. The HRAF files are reputed to be one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of cultural data in existence and they cover approximately three hundred world cultures. The collection contains books, articles, unpublished manuscripts, and the results of field work. HRAF material includes many rare sources and many exclusive translations from foreign texts. HRAF's unique arrangement facilitates comparative studies.
An uncataloged guide, The Nature and the Use of HRAF Files, is available in the Special Collections Office. The collection is organized into separate Cultural Files, each of which corresponds to a cultural unit listed in the Outline of World Cultures (OWC). Within each cultural file the material is organized according to the subject classification system in the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM). A complete list of the titles included in the collection is available in HRAF Source Bibliography. The researcher may also wish to consult the Index to the Human Relations Area Files and its supplement (1979). Users are encouraged to ask a Special Collections staff member for assistance in the use of this collection.
NOT IN MERLIN
Guides:
Murdock, George Peter Outline of World Cultures (OWC)..
Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM)..
Contains a list of titles in the HRAF collection.
Index to the Human Relations Area Files.
The index is a page-by-page, line-by-line index to the sources included in the HRAF files organized (up to 1979) according to the subject categories in the OCM.
LATIN AMERICA, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1962-1980.
Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1982.
Special Studies Series
10 reel(s)
This collection contains one hundred and ten studies and analyses on a wide variety of topics about Latin America in general, and about the specific countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, British Honduras, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The material includes such topics as agriculture, balance of payments, drugs, revolution, economic development, land reform, the military, political problems, poverty, terrorism, technical aid, and urban growth. These studies were contracted by various federal agencies from a number of private and governmental "think tanks" such as Joint Publication Research Service, Rand Corporation, the Army War College, the Department of State and the Naval Postgraduate School.
MERLIN lists studies separately.
Guides:
Latin America, special studies, 1962-1980 [guide].
The annotated guide contains a table of contents, a reel index, and subject index. The authors and their institutional affiliations are also indicated.
LATIN AMERICA, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1980-82, SUPPLEMENT.
Frederick, MD: University Publications of America, 1983.
Special studies series
3 reel(s)
This collection continues the studies and analyses of Latin America in general and of the particular countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Panama. The subjects include topics like agriculture, balance of trade, economic development, energy development, foreign relations, government, labor, migrants, military intervention, communism, and national security. These studies were contracted by various federal agencies from a number of private and governmental "think tanks" such as MITRE Corporation, the Army War College, the Department of State, and the Central Intelligence Agency. Thirty-three studies are included.
MERLIN lists studies separately.
Guides:
Latin America : special studies, 1980-1982 supplement.
The annotated guide contains a table of contents, a reel index, and a subject index. The authors of the studies and their institutional affiliations are indicated.
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF CENTRAL AMERICA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1967.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M672; v. National Archives record group 59.
16 reel(s)
Efforts to establish cooperation among Central American countries are documented in this Department of State decimal file. The majority of the papers in the collection are concerned with political matters such as the movement to organize a Central American Union, the maintenance of the Central American Court of Justice, the Conference of Presidents of Central American States held aboard the U.S.S. Tacoma in 1922, and the Conference of Central American States held in Washington, D.C., in 1923. The proposed Union of El Salvador and Honduras is discussed. Other cooperative efforts include reciprocal recognition of educational programs and of diplomats among the countries, cultural exchange, protection of copyrights, international railroads, and the development of air mail service.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Central America, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide is also reproduced on the first reel preceding a complete list of the contents of the collection. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 8:7
Argentina
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES MINISTERS IN ARGENTINA, 1817-1906.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1944.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 69; v. National Archives record group 59.
40 reel(s)
This collection contains information on a wide variety of topics concerning United States-Argentine relations. These topics include trade relations, Argentine claims to the Falkland Islands, the Monroe Doctrine and other United States policies toward Latin America, construction of Argentine railroads, as well as Argentine policies toward natives and toward immigration and naturalization. The collection includes official dispatches as well as private communications that might deal with more secret matters.
An uncataloged guide, Despatches from United States Ministers to Argentina, is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains background information about United States representatives in Argentina, a list of reel contents for the entire collection, a description of topics covered by the material, an index of authors, and a list of related microfilm materials from the National Archives. The information from the guide is reprinted at the beginning of most of the reels.
FILM 1:7-1:8
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF ARGENTINA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 514; v. National Archives records group 59.
44 reel(s)
This collection contains the Department of State decimal file relating to the internal affairs of Argentina during the period from 1910 to 1929. Most of the records are instructions to and dispatches from United States diplomatic and consular officials in Argentina. Also included are notes between the Department of State and foreign diplomatic representatives in the United States, memoranda prepared by officials of the Department, and correspondence with officials of other government departments, private firms, and individuals. The largest group of records in the collection relate to the presidency, political parties, elections, relations between the central and provincial governments, and political conditions in general. Other sub-topics relating to Argentine internal affairs are Bolshevism, proceedings of the legislative branch of government, social matters, financial conditions, military affairs, naval affairs, colonization, immigration, mines and mining, petroleum, railroads, and the public press. The section on social matters includes material on race problems in Argentina, literature, fine art, and religion. The section on financial conditions deals with taxation, the monetary system, and banking. In the naval affairs section there are documents concerning the competitive increase in naval armaments between Argentina and Brazil, and a considerable number of records are devoted to the construction, updating, and deployment of Argentina's two American built battleships, the Rivadavia and the Moreno, both of which were launched in 1911.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Argentina, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. A complete list of the documents included is on the first two reels. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:8
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN ARGENTINA AND OTHER STATES, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 516; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
This collection contains the text of treaties and conventions signed by the Argentinean Republic with Chile, Paraguay, Peru, France, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Bolivia, the Netherlands, and Turkey. It also includes clippings of articles on foreign policy which appeared in the Argentinean press.
A complete list of the contents precedes the filmed documents. They documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:8
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ARGENTINA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 515; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
Most of the diplomatic reports in this decimal file consist of clippings from the Argentinean press on the subject of the Argentinean and Latin American attitudes towards the United States and on the foreign policy of the Argentinean government toward the United States. There are also a few reports of conversations with Argentinean presidents and government officials on the subject of Argentinean-American relations. The collection also provides information on American-Argentinean negotiation for the arbitration treaty and naturalization convention in the years 1910 to 1912 and the Argentinean attitude towards the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928.
A complete list of the contents precedes the filmed documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:8
Bolivia
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF BOLIVIA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1966.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 644; v. National Archives record group 59.
33 reel(s)
This collection reflects the turbulence of political life in Bolivia between 1910 and 1929. Such themes as violent coups d'etat (especially the one in which a Liberal president Jose Guerra was superseded by a Republican Juan Savedra), military plots, the persecution of political opposition, and the exile of political opponents figure prominently in these decimal file records. Other subjects covered include presidential, parliamentary, and local elections, provincial revolts, rivalry between the Liberal and the Republican parties, cabinet changes, and constitutional amendments. The collection also provides information about the strength and attitudes of the Bolivian army, the activities of German officers and military instructors, and the build up of war material for the conflict with Paraguay over Chaco. Other records concern education, social affairs, labor conditions, wages and prices, strikes and lockouts, and American corporations in Bolivia.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Bolivia, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is filmed on reel one. Also on reel one and continuing on reel two is a complete list of documents included in the collection. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 8:3-4
Brazil
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES MINISTERS IN BRAZIL, 1809-1813, 1868-1869, 1889-1906.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1951.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 121; v. National Archives record group 59.
27 reel(s)
These selected reels are a portion of a 74-reel collection of consular dispatches from United States ministers to Brazil from 1809-1906. Some of the topics covered include claims of United States citizens against Brazil, slavery and the slave trade in Brazil, operations of United States naval vessels in the South Atlantic, and trade between Brazil and the United States. The material contains correspondence from United States diplomatic officials in Brazil along with enclosures of pertinent information like pamphlets, newspapers, and other printed material. Private correspondence offers more personal, unofficial views on particular topics.
An uncataloged guide, Dispatches from United States Ministers to Brazil, is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains a list of reel contents, a description of the topics covered in the material, an index of the authors, and a list of related material in National Archives microfilm. Ellis Library has reels 1-2, 36, and 50-74 of the collection. Reel 1 contains a useful register of correspondence.
FILM 1:11
United States. Department of State. NOTES FROM THE BRAZILIAN LEGATION IN THE UNITED STATES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 1824-1829.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1943.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 49; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
This collection contains a register of notes received by the Department of State from the Brazilian legation in the United States between 1824 and 1906 and the full content of notes received between April 5, 1824 and September 3, 1829. The dispatches concern a wide variety of subjects such as the recognition of Brazilian independence, the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Brazil, appointments of diplomatic representatives, proposals for commercial treaties and military alliances, relations with third countries, conflicts between Brazil and Argentina, slavery, and piracy.
National Archives Microfilm Publications, p. 57, lists the inclusive dates of each reel. There is a short introductory note and a register at the beginning of the reel. Ellis Library only has reel one of this collection that covers the period 1824-1906.
FILM 1:7
Guides:
United States. National Archives and Records Service. Catalog of national archives microfilm publications..
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF BRAZIL, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 519; v. National Archives record group 59.
54 reel(s)
This decimal file contains material on the political situation in Brazil between 1910 and 1929. It covers presidential elections, rivalries between major political figures, army and navy revolts, provincial uprisings, and communist activities. The collection also provides information on the legislative and judicial branches of government, on constitutional and legal matters, and on the army and the navy. The records cover the financial situation of the Brazilian government and of the governments of individual Brazilian states, as well as information about loans, debts, and exchange rates. There is also information about the activities of American companies in Brazil and about the economic life of that country, especially the production of coffee and rubber and mining concessions.
A complete list of the documents included in the collection is on reels 1-3. A summary of reel contents is given in SPEC-R CD3026 .A522 1974 Catalog of National Archives Microfilm Publications, p. 64. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of States decimal classification system.
FILM 6:8-6:9
Guides:
United States. National Archives and Records Service. Catalog of national archives microfilm publications..
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN BRAZIL AND OTHER STATES, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 526; v. National Archives record group 59.
2 reel(s)
Negotiation and ratification of treaties of arbitration, naturalization, navigation, and for the limitation of arms between Brazil and other countries in South America, in Central America, Europe, and Asia are discussed in this collection. Issues of dispute between Brazil and Uruguay involved the Lake Merim-River Yaguaron boundary questions, pelagic sealing, and the 1911 fur seal treaty. Documents in the decimal file concerning Brazil and Paraguay focus on the delimitation of their mutual frontier from the mouth of the Apa River to the outlet of Bahia Negra and the use of the Paraguay River by a steamship service.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations Between Brazil and Other States, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. A complete list of the contents of the collection precedes the filmed documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:9
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND BRAZIL, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 525.; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
The negotiation and ratification of treaties by the United States and Brazil are the subjects of a majority of the documents in this Department of State decimal file. A review of all multilateral treaties dating from 1875 is provided. The collection includes documents on the appointment of commissioners to the Permanent International Commission on Arbitration. The papers on the Treaty for the Renunciation of War (Kellog-Briand Pact) include State Department correspondence and popular comment from press reports. Brazil's appeal for the regulation of immigration of blacks to Brazil is documented in the portion of the collection dealing with the 1922 immigration treaty. There is also a discussion of United States contracts to build battleships for Argentina and Chile and the promise to aid these countries in the event of attacks by Brazil. Radio influence on Brazilian-American relations is noted in correspondence describing KDKA's (Pittsburgh, PA) programs in honor of Brazil's Independence Day.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations Between the United States and Brazil, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also filmed at the beginning of the collection. A complete list of the contents precedes the documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:9
Chile
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES MINISTERS IN CHILE, 1889-1905.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1942.
National Archives Microfilm Publications Microcopy no. M 10; v. National Archives record group 59.
15 reel(s)
The material in the collection covers such topics as: dispatches between Chile and Peru arising out of the War of the Pacific, the growth of the nitrate industry, the civil war between the forces of President Balmaceda and congressional forces, and the Baltimore affair in which United States sailors were attacked by a mob in Valparaiso. Reels 45 through 51 focus on the ministry of Henry Lane Wilson from 1897 to 1905. During this period, the war between the United States and Spain was a particularly important topic.
An uncataloged guide, State Department Diplomatic Dispatches, Chile Series, is located in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains introductory material for reels 45-51 only. Ellis Library has reels 37-51 of this National Archives collection which covers the period from 1889 to 1905.
FILM 1:1
United States. Department of State. NOTES FROM THE CHILEAN LEGATION IN THE UNITED STATES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 1811-1853.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1944.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 73; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
The notes reflect the efforts of the newly-independent Chile to establish diplomatic relations with the United States and to gain an official recognition of its independent status. The collection includes several letters from the leader of the Chilean struggle for independence, Bernardo O'Higgins, asking the government of the United States for material assistance to the independence movement and for a diplomatic support against Spain. From the 1820's onwards, the correspondence deals increasingly with routine diplomatic matters (such as appointments of consular officers) and with the questions of trade (customs and tariffs).
National Archives Microfilm Publications, p. 57, lists the inclusive dates of each reel on the collection which covers the period 1811-1966. Ellis Library only has reel 1.
FILM 1:8
Guides:
United States. National Archives and Records Service. Catalog of national archives microfilm publications..
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF CHILE, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 487; v. National Archives record group 59.
40 reel(s)
The largest single group of records reproduced in this Department of Sate decimal file relates to Chilean political affairs. Many records concern arbitration of the dispute with Peru over Tacna and Arica. There are reports on presidential elections and other political affairs. Other subjects relate to Chilean internal affairs such as military education, visits of Chilean war vessels to foreign ports, financial conditions, agriculture, petroleum production, nitrate mining, and postal regulations
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Chile, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also filmed preceding the documents. A complete list of the documents appears on reels 1-2. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:5-6:6
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN CHILE AND OTHER STATES, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 490; v. National Archives record group 59.
2 reel(s)
Efforts by the Chilean government to negotiate treaties of peace, alliance, commerce, and navigation are the subjects of this Department of State decimal file. There is correspondence relating to the treaty of alliance between Argentina, Brazil, and Chile (the A.B.C. Alliance), boundary questions between Chile and Argentina over the Picton, Lenox, and Nueva Islands, the Beagle Channel dispute between Chile and Argentina, and political relations between Chile and other countries. The portion of the file related to Chile's relations with Argentina contains a 1105 page document on the history and organization of sanitary legislation in Argentina.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations Between Chile and Other States, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. A complete list of the contents precedes the filmed documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:7
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CHILE, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1963.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 489; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
Issues affecting political relations between the United States and Chile for the period from 1910 to 1929 include the threat posed by the new Panama Canal to the commerce of Chile, the Tacna-Arica dispute and subsequent elections to decide which nation would control the areas, and proposed Latin American exemption from the most-favored-nation clause of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation. Other subjects discussed in this Department of State decimal file are the centennial of Chile's war of independence, memorials to Charles W. Wooster, a United States citizen who became a rear admiral in the Chilean navy, and the Department of State's involvement in an incident involving rowdy American employees of the mining camp of El Teniente during a weekend outing. Treaty negotiations common to all decimal files are also in this collection.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations Between the United States and Chile, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also filmed at the beginning of the collection. A complete list of the contents precedes the documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 6:7
Colombia
United States. Department of State. NOTES FROM THE COLOMBIAN LEGATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 1810-1834.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1943.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 51; v. National Archives Record Group 59.
2 reel(s)
The collection contains a register of notes received by the Department of State from the Colombian legation in the United States between 1820 and 1853. It also contains letters and dispatches transmitted to the Department of State by the representatives of Colombia and Venezuela between 1810 and 1834. The letters concern the declaration of independence and the war of national liberation of Colombia and Venezuela (which between 1821 and 1829 together formed the federation of Gran Colombia). They reflect the attempts of both republics to establish diplomatic relations with the United States. Included in the collection are letters of the hero of the Colombian and Venezuelan liberation struggle, Simon Bolivar.
National Archives Microfilm Publications, p. 57, lists the inclusive dates of each reel in this collection. There is a description of the collection at the beginning of the first reel. Ellis Library only has reels 1-2 of this eleven reel collection which covers the period 1810-1906.
FILM 1:7
Guides:
United States. National Archives and Records Service. Catalog of national archives microfilm publications..
Costa Rica
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND COSTA RICA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1967.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 670; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
Treaty negotiations comprise the majority of this decimal file. These include negotiations for treaties of arbitration and conciliation, the Kellogg-Briand Pact for the renunciation of war, and treaties of commerce. Additional records pertain to a naturalization treaty between the United States and Costa Rica. A number of documents relate to the Bryan-Chamorro treaty which would grant the United States access to an interoceanic canal between Costa Rica and Nicaragua via the San Juan River. Several documents are concerned with pro-American demonstrations at the American legation in Costa Rica.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations Between the United States and Costa Rica, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. It is also reproduced at the beginning of the collection. A complete list of the contents precedes the documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 8:7
El Salvador
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF EL SALVADOR, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1967.
National Archives microfilm publication. Microcopy no. M 658. National Archives record group 59.
22 reel(s)
The largest group of records reproduced in this Department of State decimal file concern presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections, the question of the succession to the presidency, the proposed union of all Central American States, riots following demonetization of small silver currency, revolutionary movements, imposition of martial law, student political activities and riots, the convention for revising the Constitution, and relations between El Salvador and other Central American countries. Other records relate to the regulations governing shipment of arms and ammunition from the United States into El Salvador, port improvements and hydrographic surveys, reorganization of the National Guard, antireligious student activities, missionary activities, the Salvadoran Anti-Illiteracy Congress, coinage of Salvadoran money in the San Francisco and Philadelphia mints, and manufacturing concessions.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of El Salvador, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also filmed on reel one along with a complete list of the documents in the collection. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 8:6
Guatemala
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF GUATEMALA, 1910-1929.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1966.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 655; v. National Archives record group 59.
40 reel(s)
The largest single group of documents in this Department of State decimal file relates to Guatemalan political affairs, which include the political unrest under President Manuel Estrada Cabrera, the activities of the Unionist party, the overthrow of President Cabrera, and general political conditions under his successors, President Carlos Herrera, General Jose Maria Orellano, and President Lazaro Chacon. Other documents discuss revolutionary activities of Honduras in Guatemala, entrance of Guatemalan military bodies into the United States, and the flights of Guatemalan Army aviator Jacinto R. Diaz to capitols of Central America and Panama. Documents relating to economic matters discuss banks and banking, taxation, and land concessions. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and transportation are also discussed.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Guatemala, 1910-29 is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide is reproduced preceding the complete list of the documents that comprise reels 1-2 of the collection. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 8:5-6
Honduras
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF HONDURAS, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1966.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 647; v. National Archives record group 59.
49 reel(s)
The turbulent political situation and the almost continuous revolutionary activity in Honduras during this period is the subject of approximately one half of this decimal file. Included are discussions of boundary disputes and border troubles with El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, revolutionary movements originating from those neighboring countries and from Mexico, movements of United States naval vessels in Honduran waters, German activities in Honduras in World War I, shipment of arms and munitions to Honduras from the United States, and the participation of Sumner Welles in a conference to mediate the revolution of 1924. Another large group of records relate to financial affairs, specifically the proposed adjustment of the Honduran debt by the United States, loan negotiations and agreements between Honduras and the J. P. Morgan Company, and other United States banks, settlement of Honduras' foreign debt, and loans to Honduras by various fruit companies.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Honduras, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. It precedes the complete list of documents on reels 1-2 of the collection. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 8:4-5
Mexico
Humboldt, Alexander von. POLITICAL ESSAYS ON THE KINGDOM OF NEW SPAIN CONTAINING RESEARCHES RELATIVE TO THE MILITARY DEFENSE OF NEW SPAIN: WITH PHYSICAL SECTIONS AND MAPS.
London: Longman (and others), 1811.
2 reel(s)
These volumes contain research “relative to the geography of Mexico, the extent of its surface and its political division into intendancies, the physical aspect of the country, the population, the state of agriculture and manufacturing and commercial industry, the canals projected between the South Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Crown revenues, the quantity of the precious metals which have flowed from Mexico into Europe and Asia since the discovery of the new continent, and the military defense of New Spain.” Reel 1 contains volumes 1-2. Reel 2 contains volumes 3-4.
Note: Translation of "Essai politique sur le royaume de la Nouvelle Espagne" which forms pt. 3 of "Voyage de Humboldt et Bonpland." Translated by John Black.
NOT IN MERLIN
FILM MISC
Schaeffer, Luther Melanchthon. SKETCHES OF TRAVELS IN SOUTH AMERICA, MEXICO AND CALIFORNIA.
New York: James Egbert, 1860.
1 reel(s)
Schaeffer was a miner who kept a record of his three-year journey to and from California by way of South America and Mexico. He sailed from New York in March 1849 on the ship Flavius and stopped in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Valparaiso, Chile, before reaching San Francisco in September. He worked a number of mines around middle and northern California and sailed for the tropics several more times before arriving back in New York in June of 1852.
FILM MISC
Smith, Isaac, of Indiana. REMINISCENCES OF A CAMPAIGN IN MEXICO
Indianapolis: Chapmans & Spann, 1848.
1 reel(s)
Smith was in Company “D” of the 1st Regiment of the Indianapolis Volunteers in the Mexican War. He gives a history of the campaign in order to vindicate the conduct of all the volunteers “who have been assailed by officers in the regular army and newspaper writers.” It was written so after his return from Mexico, in the summer of 1847, and also contains resolutions of the Missouri Legislature, a letter of Lt. Kingsbury, and a brief sketch of the 4th and 5th infantries. He writes that the Indiana volunteers “were the victorious conquerors of Huamantla, Puebla, Atlixco, and Tlascala.”
Second edition. Title continues “an account of the operations of the Indiana brigade on the line of the Rio Grande and Sierra Madre, and a vindication of the volunteers against the aspersions of officials and unofficials.” Table of contents and appendix at end.
FILM MISC
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM THE UNITED STATES CONSULS IN CIUDAD JUAREZ (PASO DEL NORTE), MEXICO, 1850-1869.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1950.
File microcopies of records in the National Archives. Microcopy no. M 184; v. National Archives Record Group 59.
1 reel(s)
Ellis Library owns the first reel of the six-reel collection. The material dates from April 10, 1850, to December 23, 1869 (the full collection covers the years from 1830 to 1906). This period saw considerable upheaval in Mexico with the overthrow of Santa Anna, the promulgation of the Liberal Constitution of 1857, the resulting War of the Reform, the European intervention, the French occupation, and the war between the republicans under Benito Juarez and the French-conservative alliance under Maximilian. The consuls in Paso del Norte kept a close eye on American interests in that city and monitored activities along the border.
An uncataloged guide, Despatches from United States Consuls in Ciudad Juarez (Paso del Norte), Mexico, 1850-1906, is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains a description of the entire six-reel collection, a table of contents for each reel, and a list of related microfilm collections produced by the National Archives. A register of all dispatches in the six-reel collection is located at the beginning of the first reel.
FILM 1:13
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES CONSULS IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO, 1864-1866.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1951.
1 reel(s)
This collection consists of the dispatches from Reuben Creel, United States consul at Chihuahua, Mexico, to the secretary of state, and related documents. Creel reports primarily about those events relating to the war between the Mexican republican forces under Benito Juarez and the French occupation forces under Maximilian. This collection is only a portion of the three reel collection originally published on microfilm by National Archives that covers the years 1830 to 1906.
The dispatches are arranged chronologically. Reels 1-3.
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES CONSULS IN VERACRUZ, MEXICO, 1857-1860.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1950.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 183; v. National Archives record group 59.
2 reel(s)
In 1857, Mexican Liberals promulgated the Constitution of 1857 igniting the War of the Reform. Conservatives sought foreign assistance against the Liberals and welcomed French intervention. In 1862, the French placed Maximilian on the throne of Mexico but later abandoned him to defeat and execution by forces under Benito Juarez. In these dispatches, the United States consul at Veracruz reports extensively on the war, the French occupation and the reception of Maximilian into Mexico. He also reports on the welfare of North American interests in Mexico during the disruption.
An uncataloged guide, Despatches from United States Consuls in Veracruz, 1822-1906, is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains a description of the material in the entire eighteen reel series (1822-1906), a complete list of related documents in the National Archives on microfilm and a list of reel contents. Only reels 7 and 8 are available in Ellis Library. Each reel contains introductory material similar to that provided in the guide.
FILM 1:13
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES MINISTRIES IN MEXICO, 1823-1829; 1860-1872.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service,
National Archives Microfilm Publications Microcopy no. M97; v. National Archives record group 59.
23 reel(s)
The reels owned by Ellis Library is part of a much larger collection which ranges from 1823 to 1906. The topics covered in the Ellis collection include claims of citizens of one country for damages on the other, boundary disputes along the common border, Mexican attitudes toward the Civil War in the United States, the French occupation and the reign of Maximilian, and raids across the border by Apaches, Comanches, and Kickapoos. Ellis' collection currently contains reels 2-4 and 28-47 of the set.
An uncataloged guide, Despatches from United States Ministers in Mexico, 1823-1906, is available in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains a table of contents for all of Microcopy 97 from 1823 to 1906 including this collection, an introduction with a list of topics covered by the collection, a list of related materials in National Archives microfilm publications, and an index of authors.
FILM 1:10
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF MEXICO, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1959.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 274; v. National Archives record group 59
243 reel(s)
The Mexican Revolution, a war that began in 1910 and continued sporadically until the new constitution was adopted in 1917, is the chief subject of this Department of State decimal file. There are accounts of President Porfirio Diaz's forced resignation, the election and assassination of President Francisco I. Madero, the military dictatorship of Victoriano Huerta, the unsuccessful attempt by revolutionary leaders Venustiano Carranza, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, and Emiliano Zapata to settle their differences, the defeat of Villa in 1915 by Carranza forces, and the de facto recognition by the United States of the Mexican government under Carranza and Villa. Many documents relate to military activities and movements of government and rebel forces. During the 1920s correspondence concerns problems resulting from the Mexican government's attempt to introduce various reforms provided for in the constitution of 1917. Other documents are concerned with the expropriation of foreign owned property, labor disputes, and land reforms.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Mexico, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also filmed preceding the complete list of documents that comprise reels 1-9. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 3:2-3:5
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO, 1910-1929.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1960.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 314; v. National Archives record group 59.
29 reel(s)
The records in this decimal file relate to the adjustment of boundaries, the maintenance of friendly relations, and treaty negotiations. Subjects discussed include the "forged correspondence" of 1926 allegedly giving information on State Department policy to President Callas of Mexico, Mexican reaction to the American punitive expedition against Pancho Villa, President Carranza's opposition to the Monroe Doctrine, and the recognition of the Obregon government. Approximately half of the collection deals with boundary questions: channel shifts on the Rio Grande, construction of international bridges, diversion of waters, fishing, and navigation
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Political Relations Between the United States and Mexico, 1910-1929, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also reproduced on the first reel. A list with brief abstracts, also on the first reel, serves as a finding aid. The documents are arranged by subject according to the decimal classification system of the Department of State.
FILM 3:5-6
Nicaragua
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF NICARAGUA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1966.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 632; v. National Archives record group 59.
106 reel(s)
Approximately two-thirds of this extensive Department of State decimal file relates to Nicaragua's transformation into a United States military and financial protectorate, the Liberal-Conservative fight for power and resulting Civil War, the United States marine occupation of Nicaragua, the United State's supervision of elections, the presidencies of Jose Santos Zelaya, Adolfo Diaz, and others, the United States establishment of a National Guard to oppose rebel leader General Augusto Cesar Sandino, and the control of the economy by New York banks. Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, communication, transportation, postal service, and aviation are also discussed in diplomatic and consular dispatches and other documents.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Nicaragua, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office and is also filmed on the first reel. A complete list of the contents precedes the filmed documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State decimal classification system.
FILM 8:1-3
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN NICARAGUA AND OTHER STATES, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1966.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 634. National Archives record group 59.
3 reel(s)
The majority of the documents in this Department of State decimal file are concerned with relations between Nicaragua and Costa Rica and between Nicaragua and Colombia, but treaty negotiations with Great Britain, Sapin, Italy, and Argentina are also included. Documents related to Nicaragua's severance of relations with Germany are in the file. The duties of neutrals as they relate to the detention of the ship Venus at Port Limon are the subject of most documents related to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Territorial disputes between Nicaragua and Colombia, specifically Nicaragua's attempts to seize control of the San Andres Archipelago and the claim of Colombia to the Mosquito Coast are throughly documented with memoranda, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and several long printed documents. The treaty between Nicaragua and Great Britain related to the taxation of Indians and Creoles on the Mosquito Indian Reservation and turtle fishing in the Cayman Islands is also included.
A list of the contents of the collection precedes the filmed documents. They are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification.
FILM 8:3
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND NICARAGUA, 1910-1929.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1966.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 633; v. National Archives record group 59.
2 reel(s)
The central theme of the majority of the records in this Department of State decimal file is opposition to United States intervention in Nicaragua. Anti-American sentiment is reported in numerous European and Latin American newspaper articles and editorials. In 1916, when war with Japan was anticipated, the United States successfully negotiated a treaty with Nicaragua for naval bases and the building of an inter-ocean canal across Nicaragua. Other subjects are the anti-Zelaya movement, the Chamorro coup d'etat of 1925, the prospects of war between the United States and Mexico, the Treaty for Renunciation of War (Kellog-Briand Pact), and naturalization issues.
The complete list of documents on the first reel serves as a finding aid for the collection. The arrangement of the collection is by the Department of State's decimal system of subject classification.
FILM 8:13
Panama
CRISES IN PANAMA AND THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: NATIONAL SECURITY FILES AND NSC HISTORIES (1963-1969).
Frederick, Maryland: University Publications of America, 1982.
Presidential documents series
8 reel(s)
In 1964, rioting erupted in Panama directed largely against United States' control of the Panama Canal. During the next four years, the United States and Panama renegotiated treaties concerning the Canal. In 1965, the United States feared the possibility of a communist insurgency in the Dominican Republic. This fear led to the military intervention of the United States in that country. This collection contains the documents in the files of the National Security Council that pertain to these events.
Guides:
A Guide to Crises in Panama and the Dominican Republic : national security files and NSC histories.
The guide contains a table of contents and a reel index.
Paraguay
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES MINISTERS IN PARAGUAY AND URUGUAY, 1858-1906.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1948.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 128; v. National Archives record group 59.
19 reel(s)
This collection contains correspondence from the United States Ministers to Paraguay who, at times, were responsible for diplomatic affairs in Uruguay. The Paraguay material refers to the regimes of Carlos Antonio Lopez and his son Francisco Solano Lopez and the disastrous war Paraguay fought against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Concerning Uruguay, the material refers to the continuing civil strife in that country throughout this period.
An uncataloged guide, Despatches from United States Ministers to Paraguay and Uruguay, is located in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains background on the collection and a list of related documents in the National Archives.
FILM 1:11-1:12
Uruguay
United States. Department of State. CONSULAR DESPATCHES FROM UNITED STATES MINISTERS IN PARAGUAY AND URUGUAY, 1858-1906.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1948.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 128; v. National Archives record group 59.
19 reel(s)
This collection contains correspondence from the United States Ministers to Paraguay who, at times, were responsible for diplomatic affairs in Uruguay. The Paraguay material refers to the regimes of Carlos Antonio Lopez and his son Francisco Solano Lopez and the disastrous war Paraguay fought against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Concerning Uruguay, the material refers to the continuing civil strife in that country throughout this period.
An uncataloged guide, Despatches from United States Ministers to Paraguay and Uruguay, is located in the Special Collections Office. The guide contains background on the collection and a list of related documents in the National Archives.
FILM 1:11-1:12
Venezuela
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF VENEZUELA, 1910-29.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1961.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 366; v. National Archives record group 59.
32 reel(s)
The largest group of records in this Department of State decimal file relates to Venezuela's internal political affairs. The collection chronicles the overthrow of President Cipriano Castro, the presidency of Juan Vincente Gomez, the development of a Venezuelan revolutionary movement in Costa Rica and Puerta Rico, and the anti-Gomez movement in Mexico. Other records pertain to public safety, military affairs, education, disasters, labor conditions, agricultural expositions, mining concessions to American firms, communication, and transportation. There are also a number of documents on petroleum concessions and the mining of phosphate, manganese, mica, salt, potassium nitrate, and asphalt.
An uncataloged guide, Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Venezuela, 1910-29, is available in the Special Collections Office. A complete list of the contents precedes the filmed documents. The documents are arranged by subject according to the Department of State's decimal classification system.
FILM 5:5
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND VENEZUELA, 1910-1929.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1961.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. 368; v. National Archives record group 59.
1 reel(s)
Dispatches from United States diplomatic and consular officials and correspondence with individuals and government officials express the wish to maintain friendly relations with Venezuela and appeal for support for the war against the Central Powers. The appointment of negotiators and the negotiations for treaties of arbitration, the treaty for renunciation of war, and the treaties of conciliation between the United States and a number of nations are reported. Venezuelan newspaper clippings in honor of American Independence day, the Lindbergh flight, and the erection by the United States of a monument to Henry Clay are in the collection. The collection constitutes a portion of the Department of State's United States - Venezuela decimal file.
A complete list of the documents in this collection is filmed on the first reel. The documents are arranged by subject in accordance with the Department of State's decimal system.
FILM 5:11
United States. Department of State. RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE RELATING TO POLITICAL RELATIONS BETWEEN VENEZUELA AND OTHER STATES, 1910-1929.
Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1961.
National Archives microfilm publications. Microcopy no. M 369; v. National Archives record group 59.
2 reel(s)
Unlike most Department of State decimal files that are largely correspondence between diplomatic representatives and other officials, the file relating to Venezuela and other countries contains two published documents totaling more than 2,500 pages. One summarizes the status of Venezuelan foreign affairs and the other, a three-volume work, covers public treaties and international agreements from 1820 to 1925. The documents are El Libro Amarillo de los Estados Unidos de Venezuela Presentado al Congreso Nacional en sus Sesiones de 1918 por el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores (1918) and Tratados Publicos y Acuerdos Internacionales de Venezuela (1924-1927). The few remaining documents in the collection relate to relations with Uruguay, France, the Netherlands, and Brazil. The topic of the Brazilian documents is a 1928 expedition to an unexplored region for the purpose of demarcating the boundary between Venezuela and Brazil. The United States asked for and received permission to send a representative from the National Geographic Society and the Carnegie Museum to accompany the expedition.
A complete list of the documents included appears at the beginning of the first reel. The documents are arranged by subject in accordance with the Department of State's decimal system.
FILM 5:11