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Mexico

A Concise Illustrated History

John W. Sherman

This engaging book provides a brief, accessible introduction to the broad sweep of Mexican history, from pre-contact civilizations to the present. John Sherman explores the nation’s rich pre-Columbian heritage, including the great pyramids of Teotihuacán, while a stand-alone chapter addresses the Yucatán Maya, including a detailed account of Chichen Itzá. The drama of the conquest ushers in Mexico’s three colonial centuries. The author brings to life the pageantry of viceregal reign, the power of the Roman Catholic Church, the poignancy of Sor Juana’s poetry, the Virgin of Guadalupe, hacendados, silver barons, and pirates. The turmoil of the Hidalgo revolt, the loss of Texas, a cataclysmic war with the United States, French invasion, and the triumph of Benito Juárez define the era of early nationhood. He shows how the shrewd dictator Porfirio Díaz is toppled in rebellion, as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa ride again. Exploring the breadth of the twentieth century, Sherman uncovers the roots of a vested oligarchy that still dominates Mexico today. In clear, vibrant style, he tells the dramatic tale of a nation whose history is integrally tied to that of the United States. Focusing on political and economic processes, the author provides a crisp narrative, enhanced with a rich array of maps and illustrations.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 270 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜

978-1-5381-3783-3 • Hardback • February 2020 • $116.00 • (£89.00)

978-1-5381-3784-0 • Paperback • February 2020 • $38.00 • (£30.00)

978-1-5381-3785-7 • eBook • February 2020 • $36.00 • (£30.00)

Subjects: History / Latin America / Mexico, History / Latin America / Central America, History / North America

Courses: History; Latin America; Modern

Mexico

A Concise Illustrated History

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

This engaging book provides a brief, accessible introduction to the broad sweep of Mexican history, from pre-contact civilizations to the present. John Sherman explores the nation’s rich pre-Columbian heritage, including the great pyramids of Teotihuacán, while a stand-alone chapter addresses the Yucatán Maya, including a detailed account of Chichen Itzá. The drama of the conquest ushers in Mexico’s three colonial centuries. The author brings to life the pageantry of viceregal reign, the power of the Roman Catholic Church, the poignancy of Sor Juana’s poetry, the Virgin of Guadalupe, hacendados, silver barons, and pirates. The turmoil of the Hidalgo revolt, the loss of Texas, a cataclysmic war with the United States, French invasion, and the triumph of Benito Juárez define the era of early nationhood. He shows how the shrewd dictator Porfirio Díaz is toppled in rebellion, as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa ride again. Exploring the breadth of the twentieth century, Sherman uncovers the roots of a vested oligarchy that still dominates Mexico today. In clear, vibrant style, he tells the dramatic tale of a nation whose history is integrally tied to that of the United States. Focusing on political and economic processes, the author provides a crisp narrative, enhanced with a rich array of maps and illustrations.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Pages: 270 • Trim: 6¼ x 9⅜

978-1-5381-3783-3 • Hardback • February 2020 • $116.00 • (£89.00)

978-1-5381-3784-0 • Paperback • February 2020 • $38.00 • (£30.00)

978-1-5381-3785-7 • eBook • February 2020 • $36.00 • (£30.00)

Subjects: History / Latin America / Mexico, History / Latin America / Central America, History / North America

Courses: History; Latin America; Modern

Author

John W. Sherman is professor of history at Wright State University. His books include The Mexican Right and Latin America in Crisis. Visit his website here: https://www.johnwsherman.net/

Table of Contents

Preface

Note about the Cover Images

Part I: Ancient Civilizations

Chapter 1 Great Pyramids in the Highlands

Chapter 2 The Maya of Yucatán

Chapter 3 Olmecs, Téenek, Aztecs

Chapter 4 Conquests

Part II: Colonial Centuries

Chapter 5 The Creation of New Spain

Chapter 6 Mid-Colonial Economics

Chapter 7 Mid-Colonial Society

Chapter 8 Late Colonial Reform and Revolt

Part III: Independence and Modernity

Chapter 9 The Insurmountable Divide

Chapter 10 Showdown with the Americans

Chapter 11 Juárez, War, and the French

Chapter 12 Age of the Railroad

Part IV: The Age of Rebellion

Chapter 13 Twilight of the Porfirians

Chapter 14 The Season of Rebellions

Chapter 15 Return of the Strong Arm

Chapter 16 The Limits of Idealism

Part V: Structures of Power

Chapter 17 Miguel Alemán—Legacy President

Chapter 18 PRI-Eminence

Chapter 19 Bombast, Boom, Bust

Chapter 20 Crisis and Control

Afterword

Suggestions for Further Reading

Index

Reviews

Students will appreciate this thoughtful, readable, streamlined text. The carefully chosen images will also stimulate class discussions. Sherman's treatment of Mexico's twentieth-century history is particularly innovative and thought-provoking.
— Peter V. N. Henderson, Winona State University

Sherman has composed an exceptional text that explores primarily the economic and political history of Mexico in an accessible way. For teachers who focus on the social and cultural aspects of Mexico, Sherman’s work helps fill the gaps in our lectures and teaching emphases. I have struggled in the past explaining the finer concepts of Mexican economic history in the classroom, and this book will be of great benefit to my students and to me as a scholar. Plus, the images throughout the book capture the beauty and essence of Mexico in a novel way.
— Michele McArdle Stephens, West Virginia University

Sherman’s fast-paced romp through more than five hundred years of Mexican history is full of insightful, sometimes unexpected twists and turns. Written in a lively prose, this richly illustrated volume will appeal to students, travelers, and specialists looking for a concise approach to a captivating country.
— Stephen E. Lewis, California State University, Chico

Features

-Test bank

-Author website including on-line quizzes, primary documents

Resources

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Mexico

A Concise Illustrated History

John W. Sherman

Mexico

A Concise Illustrated History

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