The course analyses Mexican history in the generation following the outbreak of the Revolution in 1910. It looks at the causes of the Revolution; the course of the armed revolution (1910-c.1917); and the process of revolutionary reform and institutionalization which took place during the 1920s and 1930s. Although national and international politics necessarily figure prominently, the emphasis, so far as possible, will be on local, regional, popular and cultural history; the course is designed to encompass the revolution ‘from below’, as well as ‘from above’, and to chart ‘informal’ changes in Mexican society and culture, as well as the better known ‘formal’ changes in political organization. To this end, the set texts include a number of novels, ballads, and oral testimonies. Attention will be given to patterns of economic development, agrarian protest and reform, labour relations and mobilization, and Church–State conflict.

Many of the sources, primary and secondary, are available in English. However, a reading knowledge of Spanish is necessary to study this course.