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La guerra de castas de Yucatán
Recogiendo información sobre el terreno mismo de los hechos, Nelson Reed reconstruye uno de los episodios de la historia de México que hasta ahora resultaba poco y mal conocido, pese a que en él se podría encontrar el fascinante material para la más colorida y formidable novela histórica. Siguiendo escrupulosamente el hilo de los acontecimientos, Reed cuenta cómo hacia la mitad del siglo XIX los descendientes de los antiguos mayas, rebelándose contra sus dominadores seculares, pelearon con tácticas guerrilleras, se apoderaron de las zonas selváticas del oriente de Yucatán, volvieron la esclavitud contra los blancos, infligieron derrotas a un ejército regular, convirtiéndose en el crisol de una futura sociedad en la que habrían de aliarse la cultura colonial española y la ancestral cultura maya. Según The American Historical Review, el autor de esta obra “no sólo ha escrito una bella relación de la Guerra de Castas; también nos ha ofrecido el primer análisis penetrante de los sistemas social y económico de Yucatán en los siglos XIX y XX”. La Guerra de Castas de Yucatán viene a inscribirse, con su veracidad y la belleza de sus rasgos, en la historia de la lucha por la independencia social, cultural y política que forma parte de otra historia más vasta: la de toda América Latina.
297 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1964
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 27, 2025
Put this down for a while because it got pretty dry and I wanted to read fiction. Picked it back up recently, still pretty dry, but good history to know. Probably the only worthwhile book on the subject in English.
February 6, 2023
Recomiendo mucho su lectura. No sólo porque toca un tema poco discutido en la historia nacional, sino porque lo hace de una forma relativamente exhaustiva y bastante amena. Digo relativamente porque el libro es originalmente de los sesenta, y en ese sentido acusa un poco de la edad. Sin embargo, continúa siendo un trabajo cuya lectura para los interesados en la Guerra de Castas.
February 15, 2021
The caste was was a racial war that stretched over multiple generations. A post script written in 1959 when Reed visited the jungle villages of the Maya, shows all too well that some Maya still harbor hope for mysterious visitors to enable them to continue the war. It is a story about lasting corruption, hopelessness, and oppression. Nearly everyone suffers. The book is difficult to follow at times because Reed assumes his audience has some familiarity with the contents; and he insists on using a jargon-filled academic writing style. It is easy to miss something important, which sets the reader back in following the chain of events.
The caste war had its causes in the systemic racism and injustices of the colonial period. Reed glosses over the Spanish era and focuses on the new Mexican regime. It was during the transition from colonial territory to independence that accelerated the causes of the Caste War. Although Reed focuses on oppression, racism, and parallel forms of justice for Mayans and Ladinos / Creoles (Whites); it is likely that the transition from colony to independent nation had major economic and social changes that exacerbated these tensions. The geography of Mexico also made the Yucatan of the 19th Century more of an isolated island separate from Mexico proper. This meant that local Ladinos often sought to undermine, rebel, and disrupt social and political life in the area - frequently seeking Mayan support, only to ignore promises to the Mayan when successful in their rebellions.
The Maya themselves were a complex group. They were a bizarre mixture of pre-Colombian Maya and Christian converts. Parts of Spanish colonialism imprinted onto a technologically inferior peoples. A handful of Mestizos formed something of a layer of upper class Maya. These were not accepted into Ladino Society and took it upon themselves to lead a wholly Mayan revolt in 1847 Only one of them appears to have survived the war itself only to be murdered later on by more radical followers. The Maya were initially successful. With victory in their grasp, they decided at the last minute to walk away from the final battle....and plant corn. The Ladinos recovered slowly. The war turned into a pattern of raiding - the destruction or starvation of the other side. It was a macabre game of life and death where the Ladinos had the advantage of outside help whereas the Maya could only look inward. The guerilla war forced the Maya into starvation and sickness, pushing them further and further into the rocky soil of the raw jungle. The war did not end with a bang; but rather exhaustion.
The Ladino raiders failed to find more Maya to fight. Although there are no exact figures, Reed estimated that half of the population had died by gun, machete, sickness, starvation, fleeing the area, or disappearing. Some areas lost 75% of the population. Reed estimated 147,000 dead between 1847 and 1855. The Maya who formerly consisted the majority of the population in some areas had become a distinct and declining minority within a few decades. The collapse of the Maya position led to a new faith in a speaking cross. Originally a ventriloquist controlled the speaking cross; but Ladino incursions removed such talent. The cross (and its offspring) took on a role similar to that of the North American Ghost Dance and the Cargo Cults of New Guinea. The Maya searched for a supernatural explanation (and hope) for their existential crisis.
The Speaking Cross allowed the Maya to form a new society based on a new town. The peninsula now became two separate states: Yucatan and Chan Santa Cruz or Quintana Roo. Both nations routinely harassed the other with raiding and warfare; but there was no concentrated effort to defeat and exterminate the other. Ladino expansion was slow and steady. Reed could argue that Ladino expansion instigated many of the border clashes; but he does not. Yucatan returned to a complex system of revolt, corruption, and repeat. Reed argues that this cycle did not cause too much violence or disruption. It was almost a normal past time for the Ladinos. One key politico who lasts throughout much of the book, Col. Jose Cetina, was involved in numerous revolts - including during the Caste War - with his only real punishment being temporary exile. Ultimately, the technological advantage of the Ladinos and the slow and methodical expansion into Mayan territory allowed total Ladino victory. But that came ca. 1900. A general slowly built a road to the Mayan capital city and occupied it. Then began a new regime of intense exploitation and corruption followed by a radical liberal regime. The story is almost comical in the reverses of each side.
The serious drawback to the book is the writing. Reed is a terrible author. His research is great; but his writing....He leapfrogs through time and space. The chapters are arraigned in chronological order 1820-1920. But in the middle of a chapter on 1850-1855 he will discuss the political situation in Campeche 1845-1860 without clearly connecting it to the story. Further complications include the Ladinos themselves in their pattern of revolt, exile, and reconciliation. Col. Centina revolted seemingly every time he is mentioned in the book. Individuals with the same family name also made it difficult to follow the story. Which Col. Cepeda is doing what? What Ruiz is revolting? What Ruiz is loyal? Who is the legal authority at any given moment? That level of chaos and disorganization obviously assisted the Maya in the early stages of the war. Lastly, Reed is writing for an audience of academics. Casual readers can read half the book or more before learning that the Cruzob is a tribe / clan / confederation of Maya. Balam Na was the home of the Speaking Cross. Basic ideas are not clear in the writing. There is too much detail and not enough synthesis and analysis.
Overall, the story is fascinating. A vicious race war that is sporadically interrupted by in-fighting on each side. Each side in the war had multiple opportunities to end the war either through violence or peace. But fate always stepped in to challenge it. Hardliners always replaced the moderates seeking peace. It is very relevant for any nation that studies racial disparity and injustice. It does not take much for resentment to boil over into violence. The level of detail present in this book makes it difficult to extrapolate the key ideas; but they are present.
The caste war had its causes in the systemic racism and injustices of the colonial period. Reed glosses over the Spanish era and focuses on the new Mexican regime. It was during the transition from colonial territory to independence that accelerated the causes of the Caste War. Although Reed focuses on oppression, racism, and parallel forms of justice for Mayans and Ladinos / Creoles (Whites); it is likely that the transition from colony to independent nation had major economic and social changes that exacerbated these tensions. The geography of Mexico also made the Yucatan of the 19th Century more of an isolated island separate from Mexico proper. This meant that local Ladinos often sought to undermine, rebel, and disrupt social and political life in the area - frequently seeking Mayan support, only to ignore promises to the Mayan when successful in their rebellions.
The Maya themselves were a complex group. They were a bizarre mixture of pre-Colombian Maya and Christian converts. Parts of Spanish colonialism imprinted onto a technologically inferior peoples. A handful of Mestizos formed something of a layer of upper class Maya. These were not accepted into Ladino Society and took it upon themselves to lead a wholly Mayan revolt in 1847 Only one of them appears to have survived the war itself only to be murdered later on by more radical followers. The Maya were initially successful. With victory in their grasp, they decided at the last minute to walk away from the final battle....and plant corn. The Ladinos recovered slowly. The war turned into a pattern of raiding - the destruction or starvation of the other side. It was a macabre game of life and death where the Ladinos had the advantage of outside help whereas the Maya could only look inward. The guerilla war forced the Maya into starvation and sickness, pushing them further and further into the rocky soil of the raw jungle. The war did not end with a bang; but rather exhaustion.
The Ladino raiders failed to find more Maya to fight. Although there are no exact figures, Reed estimated that half of the population had died by gun, machete, sickness, starvation, fleeing the area, or disappearing. Some areas lost 75% of the population. Reed estimated 147,000 dead between 1847 and 1855. The Maya who formerly consisted the majority of the population in some areas had become a distinct and declining minority within a few decades. The collapse of the Maya position led to a new faith in a speaking cross. Originally a ventriloquist controlled the speaking cross; but Ladino incursions removed such talent. The cross (and its offspring) took on a role similar to that of the North American Ghost Dance and the Cargo Cults of New Guinea. The Maya searched for a supernatural explanation (and hope) for their existential crisis.
The Speaking Cross allowed the Maya to form a new society based on a new town. The peninsula now became two separate states: Yucatan and Chan Santa Cruz or Quintana Roo. Both nations routinely harassed the other with raiding and warfare; but there was no concentrated effort to defeat and exterminate the other. Ladino expansion was slow and steady. Reed could argue that Ladino expansion instigated many of the border clashes; but he does not. Yucatan returned to a complex system of revolt, corruption, and repeat. Reed argues that this cycle did not cause too much violence or disruption. It was almost a normal past time for the Ladinos. One key politico who lasts throughout much of the book, Col. Jose Cetina, was involved in numerous revolts - including during the Caste War - with his only real punishment being temporary exile. Ultimately, the technological advantage of the Ladinos and the slow and methodical expansion into Mayan territory allowed total Ladino victory. But that came ca. 1900. A general slowly built a road to the Mayan capital city and occupied it. Then began a new regime of intense exploitation and corruption followed by a radical liberal regime. The story is almost comical in the reverses of each side.
The serious drawback to the book is the writing. Reed is a terrible author. His research is great; but his writing....He leapfrogs through time and space. The chapters are arraigned in chronological order 1820-1920. But in the middle of a chapter on 1850-1855 he will discuss the political situation in Campeche 1845-1860 without clearly connecting it to the story. Further complications include the Ladinos themselves in their pattern of revolt, exile, and reconciliation. Col. Centina revolted seemingly every time he is mentioned in the book. Individuals with the same family name also made it difficult to follow the story. Which Col. Cepeda is doing what? What Ruiz is revolting? What Ruiz is loyal? Who is the legal authority at any given moment? That level of chaos and disorganization obviously assisted the Maya in the early stages of the war. Lastly, Reed is writing for an audience of academics. Casual readers can read half the book or more before learning that the Cruzob is a tribe / clan / confederation of Maya. Balam Na was the home of the Speaking Cross. Basic ideas are not clear in the writing. There is too much detail and not enough synthesis and analysis.
Overall, the story is fascinating. A vicious race war that is sporadically interrupted by in-fighting on each side. Each side in the war had multiple opportunities to end the war either through violence or peace. But fate always stepped in to challenge it. Hardliners always replaced the moderates seeking peace. It is very relevant for any nation that studies racial disparity and injustice. It does not take much for resentment to boil over into violence. The level of detail present in this book makes it difficult to extrapolate the key ideas; but they are present.
January 18, 2025
[. . .] ¿Y ahora se acuerdan, ahora saben que hay un verdadero Dios? ¿Cuando nos estaban matando sabíais que hay un Dios verdadero? Todo el nombre del verdadero Dios os lo estuvimos encareciendo, y nunca creisteis en su nombre [. . .] Y ahora no acertáis ni tenéis ánimo para recibir el camino, el cambio de vuestros azotes. Porque si estamos matando ahora, vosotros primero nos mostrásteis el camino.
Creo que sólo supe algo, casi nada, sobre la Guerra de Castas pasados los treinta años, al ponerme a estudiar historia de México por cuenta propia, hallándole al fin interés a todas esas cosas que en la escuela me parecieron tan aburridas, o inútiles o las dos cosas, aunque incluso entonces no fue mucho lo que hallé, llamándome sin duda la atención que no hubiera casi nada sobre el tema, pues al parecer no era sólo que estuviera ausente en libros de texto escolares sino que había bien pocos libros al respecto, y si mal no recuerdo, en el popular libro Historia general de México, reeditado y publicado por el Colegio de México en 2010, ni siquiera se le menciona… pues no es algo sencillo de tratar, y para un texto de carácter general debió resultarles más fácil, supongo, mejor no meterse en camisa de once varas, haciéndose de la vista gorda.
Y es que el problema con esta rebelión popular, la única rebelión popular indígena exitosa desde el arribo de Cortés a América, como lo señala el autor, es precisamente su éxito mismo, que le permitió a miles de indios mayas durante un periodo de décadas oponerse de forma efectiva, aunque con enormes dificultades, al invasor blanco, llegando incluso al borde de expulsarlo por completo de la península del Gran Yucatán, esa enorme región dominada por los distintos grupos mayas prehispánicos y dividida hoy día en tres entidades federativas distintas donde, por distintas razones, nos cuenta Nelson Reed, nadie hasta la fecha quiere hablar nada al respecto.
Pues si bien, como sucede con toda insurrección popular, producto de un largo periodo de explotación y abuso de un grupo sobre otro, en ésta uno puede entender, compenetrarse y hasta ponerse de parte del maya esclavizado y sistemáticamente maltratado tras la pérdida total —espiritual y materialmente hablando— de su mundo ante las hordas del poderoso dios cristiano, al cabo uno encuentra aquí sólo horror y odio exacerbado, el fanatismo intolerante de los unos contra el fanatismo intolerante de los otros en una guerra a muerte, producto del más despiadado (y descorazonado) ojo por ojo, diente por diente.
Orillados a un punto de quiebre, despojados de todo y engañados miles de veces por políticos-generales eternamente enzarzados en pleitos partidistas o personales, llega un momento en que un grupo de mayas se desmanda, se desboca, dice “No más”, y con armas en mano —esencialmente machetes— inicia las hostilidades asesinando a la población de un pueblo entero, mujeres y niños incluidos, bajo la lógica aplastante de que los segundos se volverán luego soldados, y las primeras, madres de nuevos soldados.
Guerra total, guerra de exterminio, guerra de razas, o castas, que el civilizadísimo ladino yucateco combatirá con iguales métodos, que no eran más que el recrudecimiento de lo que llevaba haciendo durante siglos, sucediéndose las atrocidades de unos y otros durante un par de años de terror, en que por pura suerte, o el apego tradicional del maya a los eternos ciclos del maíz sagrado, el invasor blanco no fue expulsado de aquel territorio, siguiéndose años de pequeñas y medianas hostilidades, asesinatos colectivos, violaciones colectivas como arma de guerra, y montones de escaramuzas con montones de muertos y heridos de una parte y otra, acabando con la esclavización del enemigo: mayas vendidos a La Habana, ladinos y sus aliados forzados a trabajar y servir al antiguo esclavo maya, y luego, décadas de paz intranquila o eterno estado de guerra latente con incursiones mal contenidas de un indio rebelde cada vez más acorralado, y que sólo gracias a la milagrosa Cruz Parlante pudo continuar aquella guerra santa.
Curiosa y exitosa mezcla del catolicismo ya de por sí paganizado de aquellos mayas con elementos prehispánicos “rescatados” o quizá solo inventados a modo por los líderes como única forma de cohesionar a sus comunidades derrotadas, el culto de la Cruz Parlante del poblado-santuario de Chan Santa Cruz les dio nuevas fuerzas, ánimo, esperanza y sin duda un necesario punto de apoyo espiritual, que pudiera darle sentido a todo aquel sufrimiento, y que se vio respaldado con las primeras victorias vaticinadas por la Cruz a sus fieles.
Como tantas otras cosas de la historia patria, puede parecer un cuento loco o disparate, pero resulta que así fue: un particular grupo de mayas rebeldes, orgullosamente autoproclamados cruzob, centrados en Chan Santa Cruz y fieles a una Cruz que les transmitía la voz y órdenes de Dios, resistió durante décadas el acoso de la civilización occidental y sus soldados, hasta que al cabo, volviéndose el empuje demasiado fuerte —con armas modernas imposibles de vencer— y extraviándose los propios líderes de la comunidad en delirios religiosos, llegó el fin, y los pocos que aún quedaban se rindieron.
No resulta, pues, tan sorprendente que una historia semejante no se nos cuente en la escuela, o que se le mencione apenas en textos de carácter general, o que el libro más detallado al respecto haya sido escrito originalmente en inglés por un arqueólogo estadounidense a mediados de los años cincuenta del siglo pasado, y, por lo mismo, siga siendo un periodo casi desconocido por el mexicano promedio.
Pero bueno o malo, o sencillamente atroz y deplorable como fue, es algo que hay que conocer, intentar asimilar y a lo mejor aprender algo de tan mal ejemplo, para variar.
August 6, 2018
Este libro cuenta la historia de la guerra de castas en México, o mejor dicho, una guerra en la cual los mayas casi logran reconquistar Yucatán en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y que perduró hasta inicios del siglo XX. Esta guerra además estuvo racializada y generó durante un tiempo un territorio maya independiente en donde surgió un estado teocrático (los Cruzob). Las relaciones internacionales y las diferentes guerras en México jugaron un papel importante para su existencia. Una lectura recomendada para aquellos que quieran conocer más a fondo la historia de México.
October 2, 2021
Durante muchos años el odio y el rencor se fueron acumulando entre los descendientes de los mayas, lo que ocasionó una guerra contra los blancos que ocupaban la Península. El autor NelsonReed recopiló información a través de cartas, periódicos y hablando con algunos mayas que visitó.
February 19, 2018
Over time, some mistakes have been found in this book, such as in the real name of "Chan Santa Cruz". But it is still a very vivid narrative of such a dramatic and important episode for the Yucatan Peninsula.
Con el paso del tiempo se le han encontrado algunos errores a este libro, como por ejemplo en el verdadero nombre de “Chan Santa Cruz”. Pero no deja de ser una narración muy viva de un episodio tan dramático e importante para la península de Yucatán.
Con el paso del tiempo se le han encontrado algunos errores a este libro, como por ejemplo en el verdadero nombre de “Chan Santa Cruz”. Pero no deja de ser una narración muy viva de un episodio tan dramático e importante para la península de Yucatán.
June 6, 2020
I’m sort of in between really liking and not liking this. It starts out super interesting; it’s a history written by an archeologist, so he goes into some detail around the layers of soil and their farming practices. There’s a lot of discussion around the farming and religious practices, i loved his archeological style and pulling back the layers on history.
But then it launches into a few chapters of boring military history. I don’t like battle stuff, it’s so boring. You can almost skip the middle, because the end, especially the post script written in 1959 is really great.
But then it launches into a few chapters of boring military history. I don’t like battle stuff, it’s so boring. You can almost skip the middle, because the end, especially the post script written in 1959 is really great.
January 13, 2022
The only good book (at least in English) about the Caste War and military and religious history of the Mayan peoples who lived quasi-independent of Mexico for several generations all the way into the early 20th Century. The new religion they created from a fusion of Mayan and Christian ceremonies is probably the most interesting aspect of this time.
June 28, 2024
Breve y excelente lectura!
March 9, 2025
Dated but still interesting!
January 4, 2017
Excellent research, very informative.
June 6, 2013
BOOKS ABOUT YUCATÁN: I so admire this book, especially this second revised edition. I identify strongly with the author, Nelson Reed, who is not an academic but a man who found a subject that fascinated him and he chased it all over the Yucatán Peninsula. At the time he wrote this, relatively little had been published about the Guerra de las Castas (War of the Castes), the indigenous rebellion that lasted for more than 50 years. The Maya from 1847 to 1905 controlled much of the peninsula, including the region that today is the world's playground, the so-called Maya Riviera of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Reed explains how they did it and why Mexico allowed it. All other scholars of Yucatán's history have built upon Reed's research, which is exceptional. For students of Mexico or the Yucatán Peninsula, this book is a must.
June 6, 2013
BOOKS ABOUT YUCATÁN. Nelson Reed is a pioneer when it comes to studies of Yucatán's history, and this book about the decades-long Guerra de las Castas (War of the Castes) was for many years the standard text on the subject. Today there is a mini-cottage industry among academics who specialize it the region's history, but Reed can say with pride he was there first.
This version of the book gets four stars from me because it doesn't have footnotes (something Reed corrected in the second edition, which I also review). For me this is where my interest in the War of the Castes began, prompting my own research into the subject. Recommended, but get the second edition.
This version of the book gets four stars from me because it doesn't have footnotes (something Reed corrected in the second edition, which I also review). For me this is where my interest in the War of the Castes began, prompting my own research into the subject. Recommended, but get the second edition.
November 8, 2015
It definitely filled a gap in my knowledge. Aside from the Classic Mayan period, my general readings and documentary viewings on Mexican history to date had very limited coverage of the Yucatan peninsula. Nelson Reed resolved that with a very detailed look at the history this region of Mexico (plus Belize's role in the story). The main focus of the book is the clash of the Ladino and Mazehual worlds in the latter half of the 19th century, although it also provides a good preface of the two cultures and a more than cursory review of the 20th century lingering traces.
August 6, 2016
Great achievement. The first serious account in English of this fascinating, virtually unknown half-century of Maya rebellion. Reed's telling is dense with vivid detail, but at times the density is overwhelming. Terry Rugeley's Rebellion Now and Forever, written four decades later, is just as fun to read and makes major patterns and conclusions a lot clearer for the reader. Reed's still a great place to start, though.
January 4, 2022
La guerra de castas es esa etapa aparentemente muy escondida en la historia de México. En esta obra el autor hizo un excelente trabajo, está escrita de una manera bastante entendible para cualquier público. Lo único malo, las letras son demasiado pequeñas y suele llegar a ser cansado al momento de leer por largos períodos de tiempo.
May 9, 2007
This is a detailed account of the clash between classes in the Yucatan. It's a bit of a long read, and slightly biased, but a must-have for anyone interested in history of the Yucatan.
August 8, 2020
Excelente libro, lectura obligada sobre una historia de salvajismo infligido al pueblo maya en la peninsula de yucatan
October 27, 2023
An extremely extensive, thorough and unbiased analysis of a long period of the war in yucatan.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews