Apostle of Progress: Modesto C. Rolland, Global Progressivism, and the Engineering of Revolutionary Mexico

Engineers and revolutionary technocrats played a crucial role in building modern Mexico during the Mexican Revolution by implementing reforms and constructing infrastructure. Apostle of Progress by J. Justin Castro explores the life of Modesto C. Rolland, a revolutionary propagandist who influenced Mexican land reform, petroleum development, stadium construction, port advancements, radio broadcasting, and political economy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 366 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2019
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

From the late nineteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century,Mexico experienced significant transformations influenced by a global progressive movement that thrived during the Mexican Revolution and influenced Mexicos development during subsequent governments. Engineers and other revolutionary technocrats were the system builders who drew up the blueprints, printed newspapers, implemented reforms, and constructed complexity—people who built modern Mexico with an eye on remedying long-standing problems through social, material, and infrastructural development during a period of revolutionary change.

In Apostle of Progress, J. Justin Castro examines the life of Modesto C. Rolland, a revolutionary propagandist and a prominent figure in the development of Mexico, to gain a better understanding of the role engineers played in creating revolution-era policies and the reconstruction of the Mexican nation. Rolland influenced Mexican land reform, petroleum development, stadium construction, port advancements, radio broadcasting, and experiments in political economy. In the telling of Rollands story, Castro offers a captivating account of the Mexican Revolution and the influence of global progressivism on the development of twentieth-century Mexico.

Engineers and other revolutionary technocrats played a crucial role in shaping Mexico's development from the late nineteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century. During the Mexican Revolution, they were the system builders who drew up blueprints, printed newspapers, implemented reforms, and constructed complexity. Their focus was on remedying long-standing problems through social, material, and infrastructural development during a period of revolutionary change.

One of the most influential engineers of this era was Modesto C. Rolland. Rolland was a revolutionary propagandist who influenced Mexican land reform, petroleum development, stadium construction, port advancements, radio broadcasting, and experiments in political economy. He played a significant role in shaping the policies and institutions of the post-revolutionary government.

Castro's book offers a captivating account of Rolland's life and the role he played in the development of Mexico. It provides a detailed analysis of the Mexican Revolution and the influence of global progressivism on the development of twentieth-century Mexico. Castro highlights the contributions of engineers and other revolutionary technocrats in creating a modern Mexico that was focused on social, material, and infrastructural development.

The Mexican Revolution was a period of significant political and social change that lasted from 1910 to 1920. It was characterized by the overthrow of the Porfiriato regime and the establishment of a democratic government. The revolution was influenced by a global progressive movement that sought to address social, economic, and political inequalities.

During the revolution, engineers and other revolutionary technocrats played a crucial role in shaping the new Mexican government. They were responsible for implementing reforms that aimed to improve the lives of the Mexican people, such as land reform, education, and healthcare. They also constructed infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dams to promote economic development.

One of the most significant achievements of the Mexican Revolution was the implementation of land reform. Under the leadership of President Venustiano Carranza, the Mexican government redistributed land from large landowners to small farmers, who were able to cultivate their land and improve their living conditions. This land reform was a major factor in reducing poverty and inequality in Mexico and helped to establish a more equitable society.

In addition to land reform, engineers and other revolutionary technocrats played a role in promoting petroleum development in Mexico. The discovery of oil in the early twentieth century led to the establishment of the Mexican Petroleum Company (PEMEX), which became one of the largest oil companies in the world. PEMEX played a crucial role in promoting economic development and providing employment for Mexicans.

Engineers and other revolutionary technocrats also contributed to the construction of stadiums, ports, and radio broadcasting. These projects were designed to promote national unity and cultural development and were a significant part of the post-revolutionary government's agenda.

However, the development of Mexico during the twentieth century was not without its challenges. The Mexican government faced economic instability, political corruption, and social unrest, which led to the emergence of authoritarian regimes in the 1920s and 1930s. These regimes were often opposed by engineers and other progressive technocrats, who sought to promote democratic values and social justice.

Despite these challenges, engineers and other revolutionary technocrats continued to play a significant role in shaping Mexico's development. They were responsible for implementing reforms that aimed to improve the lives of the Mexican people, such as education and healthcare. They also continued to promote economic development through projects such as the construction of infrastructure and the promotion of petroleum development.

In conclusion, the role of engineers and other revolutionary technocrats in creating modern Mexico was crucial. They played a significant role in shaping the policies and institutions of the post-revolutionary government and were responsible for implementing reforms that aimed to improve the lives of the Mexican people. Despite the challenges that Mexico faced during the twentieth century, engineers and other progressive technocrats continued to play a significant role in shaping the country's development.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 156 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496211743