History of the Mexican Revolution

¶ … Swept Mexico

About the Author

The author of the book, Anita Brenner, who is also the writer of Idols behind Altars along with many other books on children, was born in Mexico and lived there for quite a few years. It was during the Spanish Civil War that she wrote dispatches from Spain for the New York Times as well as the Nation. Furthermore, for many years she even edited the magazine Mexico This Month.

About The Book

The book The Wind That Swept Mexico by Anita Brenner published originally in the year 1943. This was the first book that gave a broad perspective of Mexican revolution in its numerous different phases.

The author in a brief and touching words along with many outstanding and unforgettable photographs, carry the reader with this classic book from the fake peace and loads of the D'az era through the fated administration of Madero, along with the disordered years of Villa and Zapata, Carranza and Obreg n, to the quiet and calm social revolution of Cardenas with final entry of Mexico into World War II.

George R. Leighton from many sources has collected the photographs that have been used in the book with the help of Anita Brenner and few others. The well-known photographer of those times, Walker Evans has cleaned and re-photographed many of the prints.

Analysis Of The Book

The Mexican Revolution that started in the year 1910 basically began with the overthrow of dictator Porfirio D'az. The book or in other words the biography of a war-torn country explores the lively hood as well as approaches of the leaders of Mexico, along with the concealed peasants that filled the land.

One of the major points that has been repeated in the book by the author is indicating the theme in one of the most remarkable dive of the Mexico's controversial past that can simply done with one saying, "Viva la revolucion." This phrase according to the author was to be said for more than a decade that crossed from the time when Mexico released itself from Spain until the 1940s.

The author indicted briefly that a continued revolution saw some of its most horrible times in the age that followed the banish of the great dictator also known as the "Strong Man." After the departure of Diaz from his beloved nation Mexico in the year 1910, an attack of violence as well as political disorder came in for nearly thirty years. Form here the author begins unfolding detailed events that came with revenge and rebellious that while reading few of the areas appeared to be fictional.

It was easy for the author to reconstruct a mental example of how the life was during Diaz reign for Mexico. Here the first part of the book gives a detailed explanation of all the great programs that in coming years would soon have be disturbed. Brenner also highlighted concise but informative description of how in that era offices that supported Diaz were run by the scientists and businessmen.

Giving a brief background of the early 20th Century, when a new generation of young leaders came in with the desire to participate in the political arena of this nation. They were however, deprived of this opportunity by the officials who were previously well established in power and did not want to give it up. This group of leaders did not give up and had the believe that once President Diaz publicly announced Mexico is ready for democracy they may have a proper role in Mexican politics.

Although, public election was called by the Mexican Constitution as well as by other institutions for democracy, but Diaz along with his supporters in order to stay in power indefinitely used their political and economic resources.

Furthermore, another major point indicated by the author was the stage that was unquestionably set for rude beginning once Madero began his plans in order to take over the supremacy of Mexico.

The author pointed out that he was not the only one in this undertaking. She gave the names that become recognizable initially in the book. These include Villa, Huerta and Carranza, while giving a magnificent character portrayal of all when these important leaders were brought onto the view.

However, the details of how change in power comes about in Mexico still not much clear even after reading the book. Though, the author has given the in-depth look to her readers, by clearly and precisely explaining that the cause of revolution seemed to be pointless at times. The reason for this, however, may be due to the great political differences between those who unspecified power and those who did not consent with the policies set.

As the author opined that even then there was a minor uncertainty of a president's ability and potential they were thrown out even it was a few weeks after they joined the office. It was like as if the Democrats who declare revolution after the victory of Bush in the controversial election of the year 2000. These things were minor to the United States that flamed a revolution in the new Mexican country.

Again the author indicated the major area by bringing in the element of the United States involvement in the politics of Mexico. The author said it appeared to be a very indirect approach, but nonetheless, she says that the Mexicans were unquestionably involved with who had the back with more money and weapons.

Also, the Mexicans were very choosy on which governments they acknowledge as a real power in Mexico nation. There was even the financial support from federal as well as private banks in the United States that assist and support different regimes and revolutions.