From the Grounds Up: Building an Export Economy in Southern Mexico

In the late 19th century, Latin American exports boomed, transforming rural life in the Soconusco district of Mexico. From the Grounds Up explores the export boom, focusing on indigenous and mestizo villagers, migrant workers, and local politicians. It challenges the standard top-down narrative of market integration led by economic elites allied with a strong state, arguing that the export boom owed its success to a diverse body of players whose choices had profound impacts on Latin America's export-driven economy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In the late 19th century, Latin America experienced a remarkable surge in exports, spanning from Chihuahua to Patagonia. Producers, driven by the ever-growing demand from foreign markets, dispatched a wide array of goods, including industrial fibers, tropical fruits, and staple commodities, across vast oceans. In the southern Mexican region of Soconusco, the coffee trade would undergo a transformative impact on rural life.

"From the Grounds Up: A Regional History of the Soconusco and a Study in Commodity Capitalism" delves into the intricate tapestry of the Soconusco, offering a comprehensive exploration of its history and its role in the export boom. By centering the narrative around indigenous and mestizo villagers, migrant workers, and local politicians, the book provides a unique perspective on the export phenomenon.

A once isolated and impoverished backwater for most of the 19th century, the Soconusco underwent a remarkable transformation by 1920. It had emerged as a small but vibrant node in the intricate web of global commerce. Alongside plantation owners and foreign investors, a dense network of small-time producers, shopkeepers, and laborers played pivotal roles in the rapid expansion of export production. These individuals, often overlooked in traditional accounts of market integration, had a profound impact on Latin America's export-driven economy during the early stages of globalization.

In her book, Casey Marina Lurtz challenges the conventional top-down narrative of market integration, highlighting the diverse body of players who contributed to the export boom. These individuals, with their unique choices and strategies, shaped the trajectory of Latin America's economic development during this pivotal period. Lurtz's analysis sheds light on the complex interplay between economic elites, the state, and rural communities, challenging the notion that market integration was solely driven by the actions of a few powerful actors.

The export boom in the Soconusco was facilitated by a range of factors, including favorable weather conditions, access to transportation networks, and the presence of fertile land. However, it was the active participation of these diverse actors that truly propelled the region's economic growth. From small-scale coffee producers to shopkeepers who catered to the needs of exporters, each individual played a crucial role in the chain of production and distribution.

The export boom in the Soconusco had far-reaching consequences, not only for the region but also for the broader Latin American economy. The increased revenue generated by exports helped to improve infrastructure, provide education and healthcare, and stimulate economic development. The Soconusco's transformation into a hub of global commerce also facilitated the flow of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, contributing to the region's cultural richness and diversity.

However, the export boom was not without its challenges. The expansion of export production often led to environmental degradation, as farmers resorted to intensive farming practices to meet the demands of foreign markets. Additionally, the influx of migrant workers and the concentration of wealth in a few hands created social and economic inequalities within the region.

In conclusion, "From the Grounds Up: A Regional History of the Soconusco and a Study in Commodity Capitalism" offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the export boom in Latin America. By centering the narrative around the experiences of indigenous and mestizo villagers, migrant workers, and local politicians, the book provides a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on the export phenomenon. Through its analysis of commodity capitalism and the complex interplay between economic elites, the state, and rural communities, the book challenges the conventional narratives of market integration and sheds light on the diverse body of players who shaped Latin America's economic development during the early stages of globalization.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 260 x 151 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503632615