Man, Land, and Water

Man, Land, and Water delves into the socioeconomic and political evolution of Mexico during a transformative era, emphasizing the intertwined dynamics of land ownership, water management, and agricultural policy. Spanning the latter half of the 19th century into the early 20th, this work provides a detailed narrative of how successive administrations, from Benito Juárez to Porfirio Díaz, grappled with modernizing a nation constrained by entrenched inequalities and limited resources. At the heart of the analysis lies the Liberal vision of creating a robust class of small, independent farmers as the backbone of both economic growth and democratic stability, juxtaposed with the challenges of implementing such ideals amidst social, political, and environmental barriers.

The book meticulously chronicles the paradox of Liberal land policies, which, despite their intent to empower smallholders, often resulted in land concentration among elites and foreign investors. The influence of railroads and infrastructural improvements is critically assessed, demonstrating how these projects spurred growth in select sectors like mining and textiles while leaving the agrarian economy largely stagnant. Furthermore, the study unpacks the limitations of irrigation and colonization efforts, revealing a persistent neglect of Mexico’s rural poor and indigenous populations. By tracing these historical threads, the book not only illuminates the foundations of agrarian unrest leading up to the Mexican Revolution but also offers a nuanced perspective on the enduring struggles over land and resource equity.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1983.