This highly acclaimed text, now in its fourth edition, provides a concise study of the history of the Iberian colonies in the New World from their preconquest background to the wars of independence in the early nineteenth century. The new edition of Colonial Latin America has been updated and revised to reflect recent scholarship. Discussions of social and cultural history have been expanded and illustrated with many new pieces of art. The authors have added new sections on the history of Cuba and Spain in the independence era and an expanded discussion of the role of Latin American women in the national period. The suggested reading lists at the end of each chapter have also been thoroughly revised. Colonial Latin America, 4/e, is indispensable for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating and often colorful history of the cultures, the people, and the struggles that have played a part in shaping Latin America. It is an ideal text for use in undergraduate courses in colonial Latin American history.