The Mexican Revolution: A Short History, 1910-1920

by Stuart Easterling

“An excellent account and analysis of the Mexican Revolution, its background, its course, and its legacy . . . an important contribution [and] a must read!” (Samuel Farber, author of Cuba Since the Revolution of 1959).   The most significant event in modern Mexican history, the Mexican Revolution of 1910-20 remains a subject of debate and controversy. Why did it happen? What makes it distinctive? Was it even a revolution at all?   In The Mexican Revolution, Stuart Easterling offers a concise chronicle of events from the fall of the longstanding Díaz regime to Gen. Obregón’s ascent to the presidency. In a comprehensible style, aimed at students and general readers, Easterling sorts through the revolution’s many internal conflicts, and asks whether or not its leaders achieved their goals.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mariya · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The sense of desperation, humiliation, and rage felt by the villagers of Tequisquitengo and others like them must be kept in mind when one considers why so many people joined the revolutionary armies after 1910."

A concise and accessible account of the Mexican Revolution. It offers just the right amount of detail without being overwhelming, while mentioning interesting anecdotes about each historical figure to help make them memorable. It's a perfect book to start one's journey into Mexican history if you, like myself, have limited understanding of it.

"Few campesinos could accept that they deserved their lot when they had lost their land and livelihood to legal maneuvers undertaken by a powerful landowner. The vast wealth and territory concentrated in the hands of the elite came to be widely seen as illegitimate - that is, acquired by means of entrenched political privilege, corruption, and violence rather than honest work."

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

To the point, no fluff.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. Focuses more on the major players and their ideals and political stance before and during the Mexican Revolution. The book doesn't really touch on much else such as the common people or many of the social issues. Good book for just a basic overview of political and military leaders as well as major revolts and battles.

[Jonathan]

Exactly what it says it is.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

In one of those Haymarket sale book-buying fugue states a few months ago I picked up a copy of Stuart Easterling’s The Mexican Revolution: A Short History, 1910-1920 on the basis that I didn’t know anything about the Mexican Revolution and I probably should. I packed it on my last Maine trip because I’d already started reading Mexican Gothic, which had mentioned the Revolution a few times and put it back at the top of my mind that I don’t know anything about the Mexican Revolution and probably should.

This book does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, which is to provide a very short, readable overview of the major factions and figures and things that happened in that time period and why, thereby making the debates over its legacy somewhat more comprehensible to people like myself who have very little background in this. It’s not always the most thrilling reading, since it zips through things pretty quickly, but as it is neither particularly dense nor jargony, it’s at least quite easy to read. I think it will provide me a useful framework for where in my head to house additional information about the Mexican Revolution I may run into should I decide to read more in-depth stuff about specific aspects/elements of it, which I might, or if I read more pulpy gothic novels set in Mexico, which I definitely will if I can find them.

My biggest critique here is that I probably didn’t need to own this book and could well have gotten it out of the library, so if anyone else is like “The Mexican Revolution… what was that about? I have no idea, probably I should know this” I will be happy to just give you my copy.

Originally posted at Patching some holes in my history education.

[Esau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great primer on the Mexican revolution. What I enjoyed most is that it included the material basis of what was going on in that moment through the interests of different groups. The economic data also provides a detailed look at a macro level which gives texture to the direction quotations as well as add more to subjective accounts as well!

I recommend it as it's short and accessible and highlights the shifts in support from this turbulent period.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice introduction to the Mexican Revolution and modern Mexican history in general. Has useful features like a timeline and glossary to help the beginner keep things straight.

[Shannon McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and accessible.

[Dan Sharber · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good little primer. i knew very little about the mexican revolution and didn't really know where to start - there being so many books about various aspects and personalities of the conflict - so this book was perfect. it is, obviously, not super detailed but will give you a great overview. this books is kinda like if you met an expert on the mexican revolution in a bar and ask them to tell you what it was all about, this book is the result. quick and exciting, you get a feel for the people and the political backgrounds and programs of all the major participants. very useful!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is perhaps the best a brief rundown of the chaotic Mexican Revolution could be. It effectively analyzes the various factions and socioeconomic factors that led to the various splits and infighting of the revolutionary factions. Easterling correctly critiques the focus on the dominant "Great Man Theory"-type historiography common for the Mexican Revolution, and instead turns to the various class conflicts and contradictions rampant in Mexican society at the time.

All and all - a very good read, could be used as a secondary textbook for a class focusing on the Mexican Revolution.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for undergrads

[Clem · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re like me and know basically nothing about the history of early 20th century Mexico, this book is a perfect place to start. At only 144 pages, this book doesn’t go deep nor does it claim that it has any intentions to do so. In many ways you could argue this is a “Cliffs Notes” account of these turbulent years. If one is left wanting more once they have completed this book, there are several other deeper volumes they can pursue. I suspect that this is precisely what will happen. Author Stuart Easterling does a great job of being brief, yet thorough. Many appetites will be whetted after this brief, well-taught history lesson.

As I said, I knew essentially nothing about Mexican history. I’ve heard the name Pancho Villa, and I remember Marlon Brando played Emiliano Zapata in an early 1950s acclaimed film (that I haven’t seen), but that’s about it. I had never heard the names Porfirio Diaz, Francisco Madero, Victoriano Huerto, Venustiano Carranza, or Alvaro Obregon. I now know who each of these individuals were, as well as a brief overview of their place in Mexico’s tempestuous history.

Without going into much detail, Mexico is a very corrupt nation at the turn of the 20th century. Porfirio Diaz serves an unprecedented seven terms as President from 1876 to 1911. How does one serve seven consecutive terms as President? Well, it’s quite easy in a country such as this. Those in power are few, yet know how to wield that power to keep the masses subjugated and starving. Dishonesty and rigged elections are a simple fact of an incredibly unpleasant life in this country. Well, as is the case with many places such as this, the anger amongst the masses can only fester so long before the pot explodes, and this is exactly what happens in 1910.

Unfortunately, revolutions are never easy. Sometimes one thinks that all a country needs to do is oust a crooked leader, install a virtuous one in his place, and the entire country can end up looking like the state of Vermont after a few years. Learned historians will tell you this is never the case.

So although Diaz is ousted by the masses and replaced by level headed Franciso Madero, it’s not enough for many. Fighting, disagreements, egos, and the wounded pride of the famished people prevail, and the next ten years are a series of one upheaval after another with a lot of respected leaders either being shot or exiled. In fact, one would argue that Mexico continued its chaotic state for about the next thirty years (until World War II). However, author Easterling wisely stops his narrative where he does and makes his point clear. He does give an “afterward” of the years following 1920, but again, his overall intention seems to be to keep his account brief.

After I finished this book, I wished that I could easily find a similar book on many countries and cultures where I know little about the history. This book was a great introduction and can easily be read in a few sittings.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun breeze of a read which gives an overview of the events that transpired throughout what is perhaps the defining episode of Mexican history.

Many opposing forces were at play during the revolution and I can't help but contrast the resistance, aspiration, and surprising level of success of certain political groups in Mexico, such as the agrarian Zapatista movement and the various urban labor anarcho-syndicalist groups (e.g. Casa del Obrero Mundial), to equivalent instances in the United States, or the lack of strong equivalent candidates.

Additionally, I think the persistent echoes of these revolutionary movements and groups within the consciousness of the Mexican people still to this day, in comparison to how little the echoes of domestic, historic leftist-movement precedents resonate with Americans, is suggestive of how leftism has been snuffed out and stamped out by American conservatism throughout the 20th century via dominance and repression by the state- to a greater degree than it was repressed in Mexico (that is, up until the PRI established a repressive state once more and the eventual market reform economics of neoliberalism unfolded. The unfortunate truth is that consolidated capitalism, in the end, tends to prevail over the struggle of labor- violently).

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a way Stuart Easterling fulfills the stated title of the book by creating a short introduction of the Mexican Revolution between the years 1910 and 1920. On top of that he creates an easy to read book that highlights key aspects and characters of the Revolution. The strength of the book lies in Easterling’s description of the roots of the revolution and the reasons behind the constitutionalists success. However, the book truly falls short by not at all concluding the outcome and aftermath of the Revolution, let alone teaching the lessons he awkwardly claims at the end are so important. The painfully abrupt conclusion barely mentions the quite important outcomes of the revolution like the formation of the PRI and the “institutionalization” of the revolution let alone important events following 1920 like the Cristero Rebellion, which is on direct relationship with the revolution. Also, He barely describe how the lives of Mexicans changed since the revolution. This forces readers to find other sources to fill in the gaps Easterling leaves, thus highlighting the weaknesses of this work.

[Oscar Gómez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and condensed summarization of the Mexican Revolutionary struggles by the various parties. This book is nuanced and detailed in a refreshing manner. There is a fast pace to the work and a breezing prosity, even over complicated affairs such as the manifestations of capital and the popular revolutionary responses to this capital accumulation. The lens over all the players is clear, and the timeline of events is well constructed.

[Hugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent introductory book to the subject if you’re completely new to studying the Mexican Revolution. That being said, despite it being a Haymarket Books recommended read, I’d argue you could start in a better place. Kind of the shotgun approach to writing a history, not super focused

[Tim Sallay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on a whim because I don't know very much about Mexico's history and I certainty didn't know anything about the revolutions in 1910-1920. These were much more interesting than I would have thought.

[Rhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mexican Revolution was COMPLICATED but this short history was super helpful in Putting it all in context and order. Highly recommend for anyone looking to better understand 20th century Mexican politics and how it impacts today's government

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to the causes, key actors, and events of the revolution. Perfect for students and anyone interested in the topic.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer! I learned a lot and it wasn't too dense.

[Stef P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great context from the Mexican revolution for last century's Mexican politics.

[lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

výborná kniha, odporúčam

[Brenmlaws · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good short and sharp political history of the revolution. Clear about the political forces, and summarises the events and contradictions well.

[Elizabeth Contreras · Rating 4 out of 5]

very to the point. i like a good concise history book, gives a lot of socio context

[Harley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a short overview. I wish it had more depth.

[Carlo Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good concise book, it was a fast read that took me two days to finish but it left me with a good understanding of the events, people, and overall ideas of the revolution.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, swift intro to the Mexican Revolution. Fascinating. I found myself reflecting, not for the first time, on how slanted our understanding of the world can be, based merely on choices made by our teachers when we are young. Needless to say, this tale of exploitative landowners and land use reform and powerful resistance by rural poor was not even mentioned during my middle and high school years.

Alas.

[Alec Fernandez-Morales]

A tragic revolutionary story. One of so much promise built on great ideals of land reform. Sadly unsuccessful due to the inability of the peasant revolution to acknowledge the injustices faced by the workers and collaborate with them in the revolutionary struggle. Also hindered by many revolutionary leaders, not named Zapata or Villa, being pro-landlord and unwilling to commence radical agrarian reform.

[María · Rating 3 out of 5]

In nostalgia for my late maternal grandmother, I chose to read this book. She used to recount how her father fought in the Mexican Revolution along side Pancho Villa. In learning about la cauza de los campecinos and the Dictator Porfirio Díaz, is it really any better now or is it the same challenges just a different time? I’m hopeful for Mexico, but I’m afraid the outlook is grim.

[Julian Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief and very readable volume covering the events of the Mexican Revolution, 1910-1920. Presented with a focus on the situation of peasants and workers as causes of the revolution. Enjoyable and bite-sized, with a very readable tone; I do wish the author had spent a little more time discussing the revolution's aftermath than the bare handful of pages it received.