Oil and Revolution in Mexico

Oil and Revolution in Mexico offers a compelling analysis of the transformative yet fraught relationship between foreign capital and domestic development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Focusing on the role of American and British oil companies in shaping Mexico's economic, political, and social landscapes, this work uncovers the ambivalence at the heart of modernization. While foreign investments brought infrastructure, industry, and technology that modernized Mexico’s economy, they also introduced deep-seated tensions by exacerbating social inequality, destabilizing political systems, and marginalizing the local labor force. Through rich historical detail, the book navigates the complexities of Mexico’s struggle to integrate modern capitalist frameworks while preserving its unique cultural and social identity.

This interdisciplinary history situates Mexico's oil industry within broader global economic contexts while delving into its profound domestic consequences. From the boom of foreign entrepreneurship to the revolutionary fervor that sought to wrest control of national resources, the narrative captures the dual forces of progress and resistance. The book challenges simplistic narratives, examining the social, cultural, and political implications of foreign exploitation and economic nationalism. With chapters dedicated to labor militancy, the interplay of foreign and local politics, and the persistent influence of preindustrial values, Oil and Revolution in Mexico provides a nuanced perspective on how a nation grapples with the promises and perils of modernity.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1993.