The Time of the Generals

Latin American Professional Militarism in World Perspective

The quarter century from 1964 to 1989 was the "time of the generals," the most clearly defined era of military rule and influence in the history of Latin America. The effects of this rule were most evident in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Chile, where French- and German-style military professionalism developed into professional militarism. Frederick M. Nunn shows that the mentality of Latin American generals is typical of a worldwide military ethos but that its application is unique in the context of individual countries. In detailing the pervasiveness of this ethos worldwide, Nunn enables a better understanding of the willingness of Latin American military leaders to intervene in government, and of their activities once in power.