KATZ reading notes--I'm using the page #s at the
TOP of the page
pp. 3-5 read closely; general introduction to Katz's argument
pp. 5-21--skim (except for the people in 51.2; you might want to read
this more closely). Two key points to draw from Katz--that the integration
of the border region and the loss of communal lands were key to the
origination of the Revolution; and that both factors flowed from the
increasing power of the central government
pp. 21-3 (European-American rivalry): read this section closely. Katz
begins with a discussion of the cientificos, a group of advisers to Diaz
that called for an increasing tilt toward Europe rather than the US.
pp. 23-7: important section: Katz introduces the different agendas of the
other powers. Key question: can we speak of "Europe," as if Europeans were
united? How different were the agendas of Britain, France, and Germany? Be
prepared to discuss this question in class as well.
pp. 26-7: why is it that Britain seemed to be playing a more active role
in Mexico, given that they seemed to be pulling back from Latin America over
the previous 20 years? (Pearson, by the way, is the forerunner of what
becomes British Petroleum, now BP)
pp. 28-35: skim; general discussion of political situation in Mexico
pp. 35-46: skim, but be prepared to address the question of what
accounted for the difficulties in Madero consolidating his coalition?
pp. 46-49: read closely, beginning with "A further setback . . ." What
formed the essence of the Madero revolution? Was it necessarily hostile to
the US? Why did the US become opposed to Madero?; read the German memo from
p. 47 closely--how important is this evidence? Could Madero have survived in
the face of US opposition?
pp. 92-4 :one general question for this section--who was making the
policy of the "US Government"? Taft and Knox? Wilson? The German minister?
pp. 95-110: you can skim this section, but have a sense of the bizarre
world of Mexican politics in 1913, and the substantial
power that ambassadors had in Mexico.
pp. 110-114: read very closely--impt. summary of Katz's argument
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