Kristen Jancuk
Kristen is an editor specializing in Latin & South American History. She received her MA in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies from George Washington University, and a BA in Spanish and International Relations from Bucknell University. After receiving her MA, Kristen began working on international drug policy for the Organization of American States. One of her greatest and most impractical ambitions is to learn Quechua.
Articles by Kristen Jancuk
The Origins of the Mapuche, Chile’s Largest Indigenous GroupAn indigenous culture that once occupied southern South America, the Mapuche resisted Spanish colonization for over a century before being conquered by the independent Chilean state.
The Story of the Nicaraguan Revolution & CounterrevolutionThe Somoza family ruled Nicaragua for decades until a revolution toppled their regime in 1979. But the victorious Sandinistas quickly faced a powerful new enemy.
The Somoza family ruled Nicaragua for decades until a revolution toppled their regime in 1979. But the victorious Sandinistas quickly faced a powerful new enemy.
El Salvador’s Civil War Explained (Background & History)Between 1980 and 1992, a civil war raged in El Salvador. Who were the key players, and what were they fighting for—or against?
Between 1980 and 1992, a civil war raged in El Salvador. Who were the key players, and what were they fighting for—or against?
The Revolutionary With an Irish Name That Shaped ChileChilean independence was won by Bernardo O’Higgins, a man with a distinctly Irish last name.
Chilean independence was won by Bernardo O’Higgins, a man with a distinctly Irish last name.
Guns vs. Slingshots? The Indigenous Weaponry That Fought the ConquistadorsThough they had no guns or steel, the Indigenous of the Americas fought valiantly with a variety of weapons that made use of local materials like obsidian.
Though they had no guns or steel, the Indigenous of the Americas fought valiantly with a variety of weapons that made use of local materials like obsidian.
How Puerto Rico Went From a Conquistador’s Playground to US TerritoryFirst “discovered” in 1493, Puerto Rico has spent more than 500 years as a colony, first of Spain and now the United States.
Puerto Rico’s Deadly Hurricane of 1899 Is Still Haunting the IslandIn 1899, Hurricane San Ciriaco, the longest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded, devastated Puerto Rico, with consequences reverberating to the present day.
In 1899, Hurricane San Ciriaco, the longest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded, devastated Puerto Rico, with consequences reverberating to the present day.
Who Were the Taíno, Puerto Rico’s Indigenous Culture?Before the arrival of the Spanish, the Taíno, descended from South American Arawaks, were the dominant culture in much of the Caribbean.
8 Inventions to Thank the Aztec, Maya, & Inca ForWhether widely recognized for pioneering these “modern” marvels, or it’s about time they were given credit, check out eight surprising Inca, Aztec, and Maya inventions.
Whether widely recognized for pioneering these “modern” marvels, or it’s about time they were given credit, check out eight surprising Inca, Aztec, and Maya inventions.
Chasquis: The Famed Inca Couriers Who Could Run 1,250 Miles in a WeekThe Inca administered a vast empire of 12 million people without horses or wheeled vehicles. How? Fleet-footed runners called chasquis.
Who Was Óscar Romero? Latin America’s Most Famous MartyrGunned down in 1980 as El Salvador’s 12-year civil war began, Óscar Romero is Latin America’s most famous martyr. Who was he, and what did he stand for?
Gunned down in 1980 as El Salvador’s 12-year civil war began, Óscar Romero is Latin America’s most famous martyr. Who was he, and what did he stand for?
The Truth About the Electoral College & How Your Vote MattersDoes where you live matter more than who you vote for?
Does where you live matter more than who you vote for?