A Brief History of Mexico

by Lynn Vasco Foster

A compelling exploration of Mexican history.

From the rise of the first civilizations of North America and continuing through the cataclysm of the Spanish conquest and the explosive revolution of Zapata and Pancho Villa to the intensely contested presidential election of 2006, Mexico has had a vibrant and dynamic history.

A Brief History of Mexico, Updated Edition gives expansive coverage to Mexico's pre-Columbian civilizations as well as contemporary indigenous cultures. This book also brings readers up to date on recent developments in Mexico and helps them understand the deeper significance of these headline-making events, including the 2006 presidential election that resulted in victory for the National Action Party's Felipe Calderón, a weakened Institutional Revolutionary Party, and the Democratic Revolutionary Party candidate's threatening a government in opposition.

Coverage

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Facts on File "Brief Histories" are reliable go-tos if you're like me and trying to read a history of every country in the world. A surprising number of places don't have histories, or they have shitty ones. I came to Foster's book, which is perfectly fine and unthreatening after attempting to read the "Concise History" volume for Mexico which was mind-bogglingly wordy, abstruse, and too economicky/jargony/nausea-inducingy.
Foster's gives you all you want and all you need, with no time period dwelt on too long or too short, and you might learn a lot about this misunderstood southern neighbor to the most embarrassing nation ever!

[NCHS Library]

Publisher Description:
A close look at the people who changed history and the events that led to democracy in Mexico. From the rise of the first civilizations of North America, continuing through the cataclysm of the Spanish conquest and the explosive revolution of Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa to the intensely contested presidential election of 2006, Mexico has had a vibrant and dynamic history. Up to date on developments in Mexico, helping readers understand the deeper significance of recent events. Since Felipe Calderon took office in 2006 amidst violent protests, his reforms have been aimed at drug cartels, and poverty, restructuring the role of government in private businesses and attempts to foster trade agreements with other nations. Despite the many obstacles it faces today, Mexico has become a democratic nation with checks and balances, free elections, and the ability to build a better future.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of many histories of Mexico – it should not be overlooked.

I have a shelf of history of Mexico books. The history of Mexico changes every day with new discoveries and gets modified for political correctness.

That being said this is one of the better books covering Mexico without combo looting the history. Keep in mind it is an overview.

As expected the history is in chronological order by chapters. There is a list of illustrations (all monochrome.) There is a list of maps. Also added to this book is a good list of appendices:
Basic facts about Mexico
Chronology
Bibliography
Suggested reading

I used the bibliography and suggested readings to help me purchase the next book.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief history to be sure, 10,000 BCE to 2009 in 271 pages, but to be sure, brevity is the soul of wit.

In as much as possible, the "great man" theory of history, and for that very readable as events are attached to people who are compelling for their actions. And, yes, 99% men.

My favorite line: In October, Madero issued his Plan de San Louis Potosi calling for Mexicans to rise against tyranny on November 20, 1910, after 6 p.m.

And to be sure, nothing of note ever happens in Mexico before 6 p.m!

[Joe McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our book for a discussion club at the Seaford library is a biography of James Polk. Because he directed the U. S. Army to invade Mexico and capture its capital, I chose to read a history of Mexico. I must say that Foster is a skilled writer and knows how to present centuries of history clearly. Unfortunately, Mexico's two hundred years of independence has allowed a parade of thievious politicians. Foster's book ends at 2010. I hope that the current president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is better.

[Anai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true brief history of Mexico. If you are looking for an overview that is interesting, hits on all the major players but does not overwhelm with too many details on one specific subject this book is for you. The perspective of the author is not a rosey one, and I do wish there would be a bit more of a focus on the positive in Mexico not just the negative. But overall good read.

[Cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine book, helps lay out the history of Mexico and shows how much adversity it has had to overcome to get to where it is. Solid book to get a history from start to the relatively current timeline. Not a fan of pictures and excerpts sprinkled across pages.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rating this 5 stars, not because it was the greatest book I've ever read, but because it perfectly fulfilled its purpose of giving me the background knowledge to understand more readings about Mexico and prepare for a trip to Mexico. It was very enjoyable to read.

[Frank Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed early sections up to 20th Century immensely. It’s clear for modern day history and politics though much more words were needed. Great concise history of Mexico though. Learned a lot

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Too brief in some spots, compared to others with more detail than necessary. Overall, exactly as titled - a good, brief overview of Mexican history.

[AHeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was brief but very thorough with great bibliography and further reading sections.

[Mark Picketts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A chronological look at Mexico. Would I have made it through it if i didn't live here? Not sure, to be honest. Ridiculous ponderings anyway ... I do live here. In a year that has celebrated 200 years of independence and 100 years of the revolution - i have felt pretty stupid about my surroundings.

I feel much better now.

I loved the pre-Columbian information, also enjoyed the period from Independence through the revolution. Cruising through the second part of the 20th century didn't grab me as much but it was interesting to see how the country has ebbed and flowed politically and economically to create where I am currently based.

Biggest let down is that there was no analysis of the narcos which fascinate me, but I noticed (thanks to goodreads) that there are newer editions that I may need to consult for this information.

Being a non-fiction book I was astounded by remarkable quotes and statistics, many of which I will spare you from:

"whatever else Mexico may be, she is never dull." (vii)

There was never a Garden of Eden in the Mesoamerican world view. The first people, molded out of ground maize dough, never sinned, they never fell from grace. They were, instead, the most recent efforts by the gods to create creatures to speak and pray to them and honor them through sacrificial offerings. In return the people of maize would be fed and, as the Aztecs thought, given the gift of laughter and sleep 'so that they would not die of sadness'." (15)

"Scholars now emphasize that at the time of their reports, the Spaniards were mistreating the Aztecs and had much to gain by portraying them as despicable." [justification for exaggerating the role of human sacrifices at the time of conquest] (20)

"The collapse of classic-period Maya civilization has been one of the great Mesoamerican mysteries. Drought, disease, and incessant warfare have all been suggested as causes. The collapse was most likely caused by a combination of such factors. But one additional element of the collapse cannot be overlooked, that of the environment.
The classic-period Maya radically altered their rain forest environment...."
[things that make you go hmmmm] (33)

"For Mexico, the conquest defines the beginning of the modern mestizo nation of mixed indigenous and European peoples, a defining event commemorated with a singularly Mexican twist: not one statue in the land honors the captain of the conquistadors, Hernan Cortes, yet many recall the heroism of Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor." (43)

"There were two Spanish perspectives in regard to New Spain. Those living in Europe thought the colony should be exploited to enrich the home country; and those living in the colony viewed the land as an opportunity to make money, enough to either recreate a genteel Spanish lifestyle in the Americas or to return across the Atlantic rich enough to enjoy the real thing. People of either view saw Mexico as a pot of gold to be melted and molded into their own treasure." (78)

"Then the Indians had no sickness; they had no aching bones; they had no burning chest. They had no abdominal pain; they had no consumption; they had no headache. At that time, the course of humanity was orderly. The foreigners made it otherwise." (96)

"there were on average two pounds of maize available daily to each Mexican at independence; a century later, in 1910, there was less than a pound - including imported grains" (149)

"It never occurred to you that the Revolution was fought for the benefit of the great masses ... you have given or rented our haciendas to your favorites ... and the people are mocked in their hopes." [letter from Zapata to Carranza 1919) (169)

"Thinkers ... prepare the Revolution; bandits carry it out. At the moment no one can say with any assurance: 'so-and-so is a revolutionary and What's-his name is a bandit.' Tomorrow perhaps it will be clearer." [the flies, Mariano Azuela] (170)

"The 'mestizo ideal' overlooked the fact that these Mexicans cherish their pre-Columbian heritage and have no desire to lose it through assimilation, especially into a society that provides few opportunities for them." (221)

"The question remains as to whether unscrupulous politicians, phantom armies (or real ones), and drug kingpins will permit the nation to progress peacefully toward a more democratic government, a more stable and balanced economy, and a society less polarized between the rich and poor." (229)

(some of my thoughts while living here, mainly comical)

[Lisa Rubilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I realized I knew NOTHING about the Mexican-American War, in which our country gained one million square miles of territory. Now I feel slightly more informed! Here are some things I learned:

Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. Slavery was abolished in 1829.
From 1823 to 1876 Mexico was engulfed in war and chaos most of the time.
The corrupt general and politician, Santa Ana, was alternately a savior and pariah. He held office (between exiles) 11 different times, and was ultimately executed as a traitor.
In 1835, Santa Ana executed 365 prisoners who had surrendered at Goliad, Texas, which made the U.S. madder than the earlier slaughter at The Alamo. Sam Houston struck back, defeated the Mexican army, and took Santa Ana prisoner. To save his hide, Santa Ana promised that Mexican forces would withdraw south of the Rio Grande and promised to recognize Texas as an independent nation. But the Mexican government wasn't included in these negotiations.
Mexico still considered Texas part of its territory. But in 1846 the U.S. decided to formally annex Texas. The territory included in this version of "Texas" included half of New Mexico and Colorado. President Polk also offered to buy the rest of New Mexico and California from Mexico. When there was a military skirmish on the disputed border, the U.S. Congress declared war. At that point, New Mexico and California were taken by U.S. forces. The U.S. army then marched on Mexico City. The saddest part of this story is the 1,000 cadets at Chapultepec Castle who chose death over surrender and were wiped out. The "Heroic Children" are now part of Mexican lore.
In 1848, under the treaty of Guadalupe, Mexico gave up much of its northern territories for $18 million. The area was vast, but held only 2% of the population. (Of course, most of that land really "belonged" to Native Americans.)
In 1853 Santa Ana sold 30,000 square miles in what is now Arizona and New Mexico to the U.S. to pay for his lavish lifestyle (the Gadsden Purchase).
Not included in the book, but perhaps of interest to some of my friends, is that the Mormon Battalion--547 men who the U.S. government recruited from among the Mormons who had just been driven out of Nauvoo, Illinois--marched from Council Bluff, Nebraska to San Diego, California to support the war effort. The 2,000-mile military march is one of the longest in history. By the time the Mormon Batallion arrived in January of 1847, California had already been taken.
I could continue with many more interesting historical facts about Mexico, but I recommend that you read the book. By the way, I felt a little proud of myself when the news came out that Mexico was going to de-nationalize its oil industry, and I knew the historical background of why it had been nationalized in the first place. Our shared history with Mexico is still unfolding!

[Mario García · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, this is a great introductory book to Mexican history. As a Mexican and as a History lover, I would recommend anyone interested in the country to start with this book.

Having said that, let's start with the pros and cons of it.

It is a very well-paced and entertaining style. History becomes interesting and it was made indeed short (less than 300 pages for 3000 years). If you know nothing about Mexico you should start with this book.

However, many parts in Mexican history might deserve more detail. It gives merely two pages to the Second Mexican Empire (including the second French intervention), while it tells much more about the NAFTA.

Yes, NAFTA, Neo-liberalism, Television and Corruption are very big topics right now in Mexico, but the second half of the book is devoted to the last 100 years, while the first part is for the other 2900 previous years (starting with the proto-American communities).

Minor historical mistakes are present: Hidalgo was captured in Chihuahua, not in Texas; Michoacán is in the South of the country, not in the north. All these details make it seem to be written in a rush, rather than to have a thorough analysis of every detail.

However, the general path of the Mexican history is very well presented and summarized, which is a titanic task, even for Mexican residents.

I just wait for the next edition to be improved and updated, because the last 6 years should deserve a mention in the adventurous History of Mexico.

[Joel Stotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT read to find out why things are the way they are down there in Mexico. Does not diminish the greatness of the country, in fact it adds to the mystique of the nation to the south of us. Certainly not an in-depth history book but the perfect place to start if you are in search of "why" Mexico is...well... unique in the way only Mexico can be. Jumping off place for deeper research. Perfect read for every single person interested in border politics. Should be on the must read list for all national politicians (and most state politicians). Only problem I saw was every time the US is mentioned it was negative (NAFTA, etc.). I don't ask for a whitewash but geeez I know we did SOME good things for Mexico over the years didn't we?

Golly!

Meow :)

[Frank Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

More than simply being a "Mexico for Dummies," this is a rather comprehensive and detailed history of Mexico from pre-Columbian history to current political and social history. There were a few parts which raised my eyebrows (i.e. comparing Aztec human sacrifices to Abraham's vow to sacrifice Isaac, Roman gladiators and slaves (no mention of Christians) suffering horrible deaths in the ring -- none of which can really be compared to the massive human sacrifices the Aztecs conducted. Or her shots at American incursions into Mexico in the face of Pancho Villa and Zapata's murderous incursions into the US). But all in all, Foster offers a good primer of Mexico's incredibly complex, bloody, revolutionary and still unpredictable history.

[Robert Mata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Very readable. I wanted something that would help me understand the geography and history of Mexico. I learned about a runaway slave, Yango. I knew some Texas history but obviously there is so much tied into Mexican history. I learned about the Tlatelolco massacre that I had never heard of before I read this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Mexico history.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is what the title says; a brief history of Mexico, starting with the pre-Spanish indigenous cultures and going to the early 2000s. Everything is to the point with not a lot of room for contemplation on momentous events, but still the author keeps the pace going so it doesn't get terribly boring.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-written and very readable overview of the history of Mexico. A great introduction to the topic.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spent a lot of time on Cortez, but informative overall.

[Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read this book for my history class at junior college. Since i am Hispanic, i learned a lot from my culture and roots of origin. Ultimately, i found the book super interesting.