Problems in Modern Mexican History: Sources and Interpretations

Mexicans, since national independence, have defined their challenges as problems or dimensions in their lives. They have faced these issues alone or with others through politics, security (the military, police, or even public health squads), religion, family, and popular groups. This unique reader collects documents―texts, visuals, videos, and sounds―from organizational reports, popular expressions, and ephemeral creations to express these concerns, reveal responses, and measure successes. They allow readers to consider and discuss how these documents enabled Mexicans to evaluate their history and culture from 1810 to the present. Offering a wide variety of materials that can be tailored to the needs of individual instructors, these rich sources will ?stimulate critical thinking and give students new insights and often surprising respect and understanding for the ways Mexicans have managed to find humor, even magic, in their lives.

William H. Beezley received the Ohtli medal from the Mexican government in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to the nation's history and culture. He teaches at the University of Arizona, USA and is the editor-in-chief of The Oxford Research Encyclopedia for Latin America. He is the author of Judas at the Jockey Club, Mexican National Identity: Memories, Innuendos, and Popular Culture, and such fundamental anthologies as A Handbook of Mexican History and Culture and The Oxford History of Mexico He has authored or edited over twenty-five additional books, including Mexico--the Essentials, Oxford History of Mexico. Mexicans in Revolution, Latin American Popular Culture: An Introduction, and the volumes of The Human Tradition in Latin America. His books have been translated into Spanish and Mandarin.

Monica A. Rankin, PhD, a pioneer in Mexican diplomacy, gender, fashion, and identity in the 1940s, is assistant professor of history at the University of Texas, Dallas, TX. Rankin specializes in the history of Mexico, Latin America, and U.S.-Latin American relations.