The Wind That Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1942 (Texas Pan American Series)

Rating:
Summary: See Them All
Review: All of the players in the drama that was the Mexican Revolution are seen here. Even a rare glimpse of Rudolfo Fierro, Fransisco [Pancho] Villa's right hand assassin. A must for any library of The Revolution, large or small. Seeing these photographs helps to sort out the intertwining labyrinthine series of events of that tumultous era.

Rating:
Summary: Swept, how about blown away
Review: As an avid student of U.S. history, there always been a lurking curiosity about our neighbors south of the border. This biography of a war-torn nation explored the lively hood and attitudes of the leaders of Mexico, as well as the suppressed peasants that filled the land. Pinpointing the theme set by Brenner in this interesting dive into Mexico's controversial past would be easily done with one saying, "Viva la revolucion!" Of course, the Spanish translation is not needed, but there must be understanding that this phrase was to be said for over an era that spanned from the time Mexico liberated itself from Spain until the 1940s.
An ongoing revolution that had seen some of its worst times in the era that followed the exile of a great dictator known as the "Strong Man." After Diaz left his beloved Mexico in 1910, an onslaught of violence and political chaos set in for roughly thirty years. This is where Brenner starts describing detailed events that came with such vengeance and anarchy that seems to be fictional.
Brenner found it easy to recreate a mental model of how life during Diaz reign was for Mexico. The first part of the book takes time in explaining all the great programs that would soon be disrupted. The explanation of how offices were ran by the scientists and businessmen that supported Diaz was also enlightening.
The stage is definitely set for rude awakening once Madero starts his plans to take over the reign of Mexico. Of course he was not alone in this undertaking. Names that become familiar early in the book include Carranza, Villa, and Huerta. Great character description came about when these significant leaders are brought onto the scene.
The details of how shift in power came about in Mexico are still mystifying after reading the book. Even with the in-depth look that Brenner provides the reader, the reasons of revolution were senseless at times. However this may be due to the vast differences of politics between those who assumed power and those didn't agree with the policies set. Even if there was slight doubt of a president's capabilities a couple weeks after being in office, they were ousted. It would have been as if the Democrats declaring revolution after Bush won the controversial election in 2000. Things this minor to the United States would have flared revolt in a young Mexican during this time.
Of course this brings in the element of the United States involvement in Mexican politics. It seemed to be a very non-direct approach, but nevertheless, we were definitely involved with who would be backed with more money and munitions. Also, we were very selective on which governments we acknowledged as a true power in Mexico. Also financial support form federal and private banks in the U.S. helped support different regimes and revolutions.
Most of the material gathered from Brenner was from recorded first hand accounts, autobiographies, letters, and interviews. The sources seem credible, but Brenner's romanticizing of Diaz and Obregon's time of rule skewed the presentation of the facts. They were portrayed in higher light than any other politicians in the book. Maybe this also was apart of Brenner's fear of Mexico during the Second World War. The persuasive issues touched on at the end of the book were surely that of anti-fascism propaganda. Well, who could blame Brenner for being concerned? It was during era of turmoil and fear; much like the state the U.S. is in now after the attacks of 9/11.
I would recommend this book to others due to its rich exploration into the history of Mexico. I know many Americans overlook this subject just as Brenner says in the first few pages. On top of the great verbal content, the archive of pictures that correspond with the revolution era places names to faces. That always makes it easier to remember these facts in the long run.
Clint Hawkins
February 14, 2002

Rating:
Summary: Swept, how about blown away
Review: As an avid student of U.S. history, there always been a lurking curiosity about our neighbors south of the border. This biography of a war-torn nation explored the lively hood and attitudes of the leaders of Mexico, as well as the suppressed peasants that filled the land. Pinpointing the theme set by Brenner in this interesting dive into Mexico's controversial past would be easily done with one saying, "Viva la revolucion!" Of course, the Spanish translation is not needed, but there must be understanding that this phrase was to be said for over an era that spanned from the time Mexico liberated itself from Spain until the 1940s.
An ongoing revolution that had seen some of its worst times in the era that followed the exile of a great dictator known as the "Strong Man." After Diaz left his beloved Mexico in 1910, an onslaught of violence and political chaos set in for roughly thirty years. This is where Brenner starts describing detailed events that came with such vengeance and anarchy that seems to be fictional.
Brenner found it easy to recreate a mental model of how life during Diaz reign was for Mexico. The first part of the book takes time in explaining all the great programs that would soon be disrupted. The explanation of how offices were ran by the scientists and businessmen that supported Diaz was also enlightening.
The stage is definitely set for rude awakening once Madero starts his plans to take over the reign of Mexico. Of course he was not alone in this undertaking. Names that become familiar early in the book include Carranza, Villa, and Huerta. Great character description came about when these significant leaders are brought onto the scene.
The details of how shift in power came about in Mexico are still mystifying after reading the book. Even with the in-depth look that Brenner provides the reader, the reasons of revolution were senseless at times. However this may be due to the vast differences of politics between those who assumed power and those didn't agree with the policies set. Even if there was slight doubt of a president's capabilities a couple weeks after being in office, they were ousted. It would have been as if the Democrats declaring revolution after Bush won the controversial election in 2000. Things this minor to the United States would have flared revolt in a young Mexican during this time.
Of course this brings in the element of the United States involvement in Mexican politics. It seemed to be a very non-direct approach, but nevertheless, we were definitely involved with who would be backed with more money and munitions. Also, we were very selective on which governments we acknowledged as a true power in Mexico. Also financial support form federal and private banks in the U.S. helped support different regimes and revolutions.
Most of the material gathered from Brenner was from recorded first hand accounts, autobiographies, letters, and interviews. The sources seem credible, but Brenner's romanticizing of Diaz and Obregon's time of rule skewed the presentation of the facts. They were portrayed in higher light than any other politicians in the book. Maybe this also was apart of Brenner's fear of Mexico during the Second World War. The persuasive issues touched on at the end of the book were surely that of anti-fascism propaganda. Well, who could blame Brenner for being concerned? It was during era of turmoil and fear; much like the state the U.S. is in now after the attacks of 9/11.
I would recommend this book to others due to its rich exploration into the history of Mexico. I know many Americans overlook this subject just as Brenner says in the first few pages. On top of the great verbal content, the archive of pictures that correspond with the revolution era places names to faces. That always makes it easier to remember these facts in the long run.
Clint Hawkins
February 14, 2002

Rating:
Summary: The best place to start to learn about the Revolution
Review: Excellent primer about the Mexican Revolution. First rate just for the photographs. The Revolution is very complex, and Ms. Brenner at times over simplifies, but that is the point of the book. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: The best place to start to learn about the Revolution
Review: Excellent primer about the Mexican Revolution. First rate just for the photographs. The Revolution is very complex, and Ms. Brenner at times over simplifies, but that is the point of the book. You will not be disappointed.