Mexico had it all from the US perspective: souls in need of Protestant conversion, natural resources in need of development, and an accommodating, uncertain, revolutionary and finally, chaotic central government within proximity of the United States. But Mexico was also different; between 1873 and 1938 perhaps the only commonality the two countries had was the border and it was permeable at best. Everything else about Mexico was perceived to be distinct: language, religion, culture, ethnicity, race, and history. US ...
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Mexico had it all from the US perspective: souls in need of Protestant conversion, natural resources in need of development, and an accommodating, uncertain, revolutionary and finally, chaotic central government within proximity of the United States. But Mexico was also different; between 1873 and 1938 perhaps the only commonality the two countries had was the border and it was permeable at best. Everything else about Mexico was perceived to be distinct: language, religion, culture, ethnicity, race, and history. US diplomacy wanted to span these divisions by making Mexico more like the United States. That political, cultural, and religious bridge never had a chance of success; it was indeed the great bias and blind spot of US Mexican diplomacy. For the first time in a full-length book, Stover explores US politico-religious policies to better understand their impact on Mexico, especially during the Mexican revolution. Journey with Anglo Mormon and Mennonite immigrants as they flee the United States and Canada in search of religious freedom in a dominantly Mestizo Catholic country. Written in a narrative, yet academic style this book has over 500 citations. It is equally appropriate as a supplemental textbook or as a great backyard read for the enthusiast of Mexican history.
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