What historical period does Canto general cover?

Canto general, the epic poem by Pablo Neruda, does not cover a single historical period; rather, it chronicles the entire sweep of Latin American history through a series of successive eras.1

The work begins by depicting the continent in its pre-Columbian state, before the arrival of the Spanish, when the land was characterized by conflicts between indigenous peoples. The narrative then progresses through the colonial era, focusing on the wars of liberation from Spanish rule, and continues into the modern era. Throughout these periods, the poem follows the actions of various historical figures, including emperors, explorers, dictators, and freedom fighters, framing their stories within a continuous struggle for social justice and freedom against oppression.12