The Banana Men: American Mercenaries and Entrepreneurs in Central America, 1880-1930 [Hardcover]

Lester D. Langley (Author), Thomas David Schoonover (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1995

The story of isthmian politicians, ambitious entrepreneurs, and mercenaries who dramatically altered the politics, economy, and society of Central America, from the late nineteenth century until the Depression, explains some of the predicaments of Central America today. UP.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Although both historians have produced previous books on US-Central American relations, they have approached the subject from distinct perspectives and utilized different methodologies. In this study, they attempt to create a richer analysis by combining their respective strengths to examine a neglected topic" -- CJLACS

"A valuable addition to the bookshelf of scholars, tourists, or volunteers who wish to understand the economic and political forces and North and Central American actors that created the regions banana republics." -- Historical Geographer

"Recounts incredible stories within the framework of social imperialism and dependency theory." -- Latin American Research Review

"The heart of the book is an engaging and fascinating narrative of the entrepreneurs and mercenaries who 'ravished' Central America between 1880 and 1930. Langley and Schoonover captured the spirit of the age and the personalities of those who walked across it by letting their characters speak for themselves and including descriptive passages in their traditional narrative." -- The Americas

"An important addition to the literature of the United States' intervention in Latin America during the period after 1880." -- Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 219 pages
• Publisher: Univ Pr of Kentucky; First Edition edition (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813118913
• ISBN-13: 978-0813118918
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,563,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Central American soap opera, November 13, 2006

By 

Newton Ooi (Phoenix, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Banana Men: American Mercenaries and Entrepreneurs in Central America, 1880-1930 (Paperback)

One of the least appreciated fields of American foreign policy is the role American mercenaries, entrepeneurs and government officials played in the Central American isthmus prior to WWII. The highlight of this time and place is the Panama Canal of course; but there is an entire history separate from Panama that occurred just to the north in the countries of Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatamela and El Salvador. This book focuses on the history of these countries in the time frame of 1880 - 1930. Why this time? The answer is that during this time, this area moved out of the influence of Europe and Europeans, and passed under the influence of the USA. It is during this time that the phrase "Banana Republic" becomes common as the events in these countries were driven by the banana industry or those involved in it.

The book gives equal attention to both local actors such as Bonilla, Manuel, and Castro (not Fidel), and those from the USA such as Lee Christmas, Guy Molony, and of course higher ups in the White House such as Taft, Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. The emphasis is on events in the isthmus itself, and many pages detail the battles and machinations of local officials.

The story painted in this book follows the general outline. First, whites discover the feasibility of banana production en masse within Central America. Second, whites from Europe and America move in to make money of the banana business. In doing so, they run into locals and the rivalries that dominate local politics, and are inexplicably drawn in. Washington occasionaly tries to force peace with ironclad warships of the coastal cities and battalions of marines and bluejackets. But this only works as long as the soldiers and ships are present, which is some of the time. The rest of the time alternates between civil wars within countries, and wars between the various isthmus countries. After the first chapter, one comes to realize that this represents one long soap opera. The concept of "dividing the spoils" rarely occurs and everyone fights to win it all.

The book is not long, but is quite tedious to read. Instead of focusing on several key events, the authors frame the book as one long timeline where each event is given 1 - 2 pages. As such, the list of characters, places, and events quickly becomes too much to remember and one page blends into the next. The book includes several pictures in the middle; these should have been included after each chapter to break the text and aid the reader in understanding what is being told. All in all, an interesting subject but not that good a book. There are probably better works to read to learn about this subject.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars adventure history placed in a broad world analysis, June 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Banana Men: American Mercenaries and Entrepreneurs in Central America, 1880-1930 (Paperback)

I am one of the co-authors, but I would advise readers who are attracted by the adventurous title to skip Chapter One and begin with Chapter Two and so on to the end of the book and then return and read Chapter One. If the reader is interested in analysis and interpretation, he/she can begin with Chapter One.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, My Kingdom for a Time Machine, November 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Banana Men: American Mercenaries and Entrepreneurs in Central America, 1880-1930 (Paperback)

A wonderful book about a fascinating time in history. Lee Christmas, Sam Zemurray and all the other characters from the era are rescued from undeserved obscurity. Information not found elsewhere made this a worthwhile read. Having lived in La Ceiba, Honduras and Guatemala, this book brought back the smells and taste of tropical America. For anybody interested in the virtually unknown escapades of soldiers of fortune and crazy capitalists, this is the book for you. If anyone knows of similar books that can be purchased, please e-mail me. I have some, but the early publication dates and lack of market for republications makes it difficult to find classics by Beals, Batson and Cunningham among others.