The Civil Wars in Chile, Or, the Bourgeois Revolutions That Never Were

This penetrating sociological study of the causes, consequences, and historical meaning of the civil wars in mid- and late-nineteenth century Chile argues that they were abortive bourgeois revolutions fought out among rival segments of Chile's dominant class. Indeed, it concludes that, in general, not only class but also intraclass struggles can be decisive historically, especially at transitional moments.

Originally published in 1984.