Week 7: The Export Boom as Modernity

The modernization of Latin America is quite an interesting tale of (neo) colonialism, politics, and power. I found it really interesting how Latin American countries throughout the golden ages of their export based economy (Aprox. 1830-1930) acted in regards to domestic affairs and the international stage. Leading on from the "strongmen"/Caudillos the authoritarian nature of much of Latin America at that time was fascinating, where the Spaniards had colonized with the premise of bringing civilization to the Americas, and the racial inferiority of the Native Americans, a very similar kind of rationale was put forth by these now independent governments for modernizing society, especially in rural areas, and (again) doing so through authoritarian means.

The text that was included in the chapter was a very interesting real life example of what was happening in Latin America at the time. With General/Presidente Porfirio Díaz being a prime example of a strongman, his early policies were quite authoritarian in nature, in his own words they were "sometimes...harsh to the point of cruelty". The fact that a man who presided over human rights abuses, allegedly discouraged an opposition to his reign, and someone who ruled the country for 36+ years; had so much hope for the future Mexico to be self governing and modern, was quite perplexing to an outsider such as myself or even, seemingly, the author. 

Even though an autocratic governor, Diaz seems to be devoted to the ideals of freedom, justice, and democracy. In regards to repudiating the national debt, Diaz rejected the idea because it was "dishonest". Diaz exemplifies what the ideal Latin American leader in the 19th and early 20th century was, patriotic, honourable, but ruthless.