Synopses & Reviews
"A nuanced portrayal of the Porfirian era, with excellent insights not just into the politics of the Zapotecs but also into the officials, from president on down, who interacted with them. . . . Scholars of modern Mexico will read it to their benefit and, given the exemplary clarity of its writing, they may well want to pass it on to advanced undergraduates when they have finished."
Hispanic American Historical Review This book makes a significant contribution to the growing literature on nation-building in Mexico.
Francie Chassen-L³pez, University of Kentucky "Much more than just a regional history. . . . This is an outstanding work that will have broad application and relevance way beyond its Mexican context to studies of postcolonial societies and struggles over national membership the world round."
The Americas "Extensively researched, persuasively argued, and engagingly written, ###Sons of the Sierra# is a major contribution to the history of Nineteenth century Mexico. McNamara breaks new ground through painstaking archival research."
A Contracorriente With an exceptionally engaging style, McNamara presents a new understanding of this period.
Peter Guardino, Indiana University "Gives a deeper and richer understanding of the liberal betrayal by the mestizo children of many of the veterans who took control of the state and broke the bonds and promises Diaz had made to the serranos. . . . Recommended."
CHOICE
Review
With an exceptionally engaging style, McNamara presents a new understanding of this period.
Peter Guardino, Indiana University
Review
This book makes a significant contribution to the growing literature on nation-building in Mexico.
Francie Chassen-L³pez, University of Kentucky
Review
With an exceptionally engaging style, McNamara presents a new understanding of this period.
Peter Guardino, Indiana University
Review
"Much more than just a regional history. . . . This is an outstanding work that will have broad application and relevance way beyond its Mexican context to studies of postcolonial societies and struggles over national membership the world round."
The Americas
Review
"Gives a deeper and richer understanding of the liberal betrayal by the mestizo children of many of the veterans who took control of the state and broke the bonds and promises Diaz had made to the
serranos. . . . Recommended."
CHOICE
Review
"A nuanced portrayal of the Porfirian era, with excellent insights not just into the politics of the Zapotecs but also into the officials, from president on down, who interacted with them. . . . Scholars of modern Mexico will read it to their benefit and, given the exemplary clarity of its writing, they may well want to pass it on to advanced undergraduates when they have finished."
Hispanic American Historical Review
Review
"Extensively researched, persuasively argued, and engagingly written, ###Sons of the Sierra# is a major contribution to the history of Nineteenth century Mexico. McNamara breaks new ground through painstaking archival research."
A Contracorriente
Synopsis
McNamara explores events in the Oaxaca district of Ixtlan, where Zapotec Indians supported the liberal cause and sought to exercise influence over statewide and national politics in the era following Mexico's war with the United States in 1847. Two Mexican presidents had direct ties to Ixtl¡n district: Benito Juarez, who served as Mexico's liberal president from 1858 to 1872, was born in the district, and Porfirio Diaz, president from 1876 to 1911, had led a National Guard battalion made up of Zapotec soldiers throughout the years of civil war. McNamara examines the political culture of Diaz's presidency and explores how Diaz, who became increasingly dictatorial over the course of his time in office, managed to stay in power for thirty-five years.
Synopsis
The period following Mexico's war with the United States in 1847 was characterized by violent conflicts, as liberal and conservative factions battled for control of the national government. The civil strife was particularly bloody in south central Mexico, including the southern state of Oaxaca. In
Sons of the Sierra, Patrick McNamara explores events in the Oaxaca district of Ixtl¡n, where Zapotec Indians supported the liberal cause and sought to exercise influence over statewide and national politics.
Two Mexican presidents had direct ties to Ixtl¡n district: Benito Ju¡rez, who served as Mexico's liberal president from 1858 to 1872, was born in the district, and Porfirio Daz, president from 1876 to 1911, had led a National Guard battalion made up of Zapotec soldiers throughout the years of civil war. Paying close attention to the Zapotec people as they achieved greater influence, McNamara examines the political culture of Daz's presidency and explores how Daz, who became increasingly dictatorial over the course of his time in office, managed to stay in power for thirty-five years. McNamara reveals the weight of memory and storytelling as Ixtl¡n veterans and their families reminded government officials of their ties to both Ju¡rez and Daz. While Ju¡rez remained a hero in their minds, Daz came to represent the arrogance of Mexico City and the illegitimacy of the "Porfiriato" that ended with the 1910 revolution.
About the Author
Patrick J. McNamara is associate professor of Latin American history at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.