In his 1971 book, renowned Uruguayan journalist and writer Eduardo Galeano explains the history of colonial expansion, exploitation, and oppression in Latin America.

When we talk about American history, most people think of the history of the U.S. since the end of the 15th century.

When we think of Latin America, we rarely acknowledge its history — the region is more commonly associated with its music and dance, which has had significant influence worldwide.

The history of Latin America, however, is the history of one region's oppression for the benefit of others.

Eduardo Galeano was a Uruguayan journalist and author, often considered one of the most influential writers of the Latin American left.

In Open Veins of Latin America, Galeano analyzes how five centuries of exploitation led to economic growth in the Global North, leaving the people of Latin America to live in poverty and social inequality.