Assistant Professor Robert Alegre
Department of History
University of New England

Born in New Jersey to working-class Chilean immigrants, I have been interested in Latin America since I can remember. I learned my first history lessons at the kitchen table, where my parents, uncles and aunts explained the political upheaval in Chile during the 1960s and 1970s that resulted in a military dictatorship. These stories made me step out of my comfortable life in the U.S. and think of people suffering around the world, including many of my family members who fled Chile, never to return. My background led me to specialize in modern Latin American history.

My scholarly interests include the history of social movements, gender history, popular culture and collective memory. My courses cover the histories of gender, rebellion and revolution, slavery, Latin American-U.S. cultural relations and women’s history. I aim to create a dynamic class environment by encouraging conversation and debate among students. In the process, students learn to think critically and gain self-confidence.

I am currently writing a book manuscript tentatively titled The Great Railway Rebellion: The Politics of Gender and Class in Cold War Mexico. Feel free to e-mail me if you are interested in knowing more about the project.