The Human Tradition in Mexico

The Human Tradition in Mexico is a book of real-life stories of Mexicans throughout more than 250 years of the country's history. This text does not focus on presidents, generals, and other well-known figures, but rather on the ordinary individuals who faced challenges common to all Mexicans of their generation. Editor Jeffrey M. Pilcher uses these vignettes to explore three significant themes: nationalism and globalization, modernization and its effects on ordinary people, and the struggle for the self. This book will enlighten and entertain readers with its colorful and engaging narratives of Mexicans throughout the country's rich past.

The Human Tradition in Mexico is a book of real-life stories of Mexicans throughout more than 250 years of the country's history. This text does not focus on presidents, generals, and other well-known figures, but rather on the ordinary individuals who faced challenges common to all Mexicans of their generation. Editor Jeffrey M. Pilcher uses these vignettes to explore three significant themes: nationalism and globalization, modernization and its effects on ordinary people, and the struggle for the self. Exploring these pivotal topics, this book personalizes abstract, and sometimes baffling, generalizations on social history by providing fascinating and accessible mini-biographies that will appeal to undergraduate students.

InThe Human Tradition in Mexico, readers will explore the story of a Mexican Romeo and Juliet, gain insight into the Mexican version of Woodstock, learn to make a fine, aged tequila, and meet the "apostle of the enchilada." These essays, written by a talented group of specialists, will show how each individual contributed to the forging of the Mexican identity as the country went from a struggling new nation to a modern republic trying to find its place in an increasingly globalized culture.

This book will enlighten and entertain readers with its colorful and engaging narratives of Mexicans throughout the country's rich past.

Chapter 1 Introduction, A Map of the System
Part 2 I. Independent Spirits, 1750-1850
Chapter 3 Josefa Ordóñez: The Scandalous Adventures of a Colonial Courtesan
Chapter 4 Anáhuac's Angry Apostle: Fray Servando Teresa de Mier
Chapter 5 Lucas Balderas: Popular Leader and Patriot
Part 6 II. Heirs of the Reforma, 1850-1910
Chapter 7 Agnes Salm-Salm: An American Princess in Maximilan's Mexico
Chapter 8 Felipe García and the Real Heroes of Guelatao
Chapter 9 Alejandro Prieto: Científico from the Provinces
Chapter 10 Juana Belén Gutiérrez de Mendoza: Woman of Words, Woman of Action
Part 11 III. Revolutionary Generations, 1910-1940
Chapter 12 "Te Amo Muncho": The Love Letters of Pedro and Enriqueta
Chapter 13 Rosa Torre González: Soldadera and Feminist
Chapter 14 Nahui Olin: The General's Daughter Disrobes
Chapter 15 Lic. Moisés de la Peña: The Economist on Horseback
Part 16 IV. Mexicans in the Global Village, 1940 to the Present
Chapter 17 A Public Romance: María Félix and Agustín Lara
Chapter 18 Josefina Velázquez de León: Apostle of the Enchilada
Chapter 19 Armando Nava and Los Dug Dug's: Rock Musicians
Chapter 20 Gabriel Espíndola Martínez: Tequila Master
Chapter 21 Index