La Revolución
Mexico's Great Revolution as Memory, Myth, and History
By: Thomas Benjamin
The 1910 Revolution is still tangibly present in Mexico in the festivals that celebrate its victories, on the monuments to its heroes, and, most important, in the stories and memories of the Mexican people. Yet there has never been general agreement on what the revolution meant, what its objectives were, and whether they have been accomplished. This pathfinding book shows how Mexicans from 1910 through the 1950s interpreted the revolution, tried to make sense of it, and, through collective memory, myth-making, and history writing, invented an idea called "la Revolución." In part one, Thomas Benjamin follows the historical development of different and often opposing revolutionary traditions and the state's efforts to forge them into one unified and unifying narrative. In part two, he examines ways of remembering the past and making it relevant to the present through fiestas, monuments, and official history. This research clarifies how the revolution has served to authorize and legitimize political factions and particular regimes to the present day. Beyond the Mexican case, it demonstrates how history is used to serve the needs of the present.
AI Overview
Overview of "La Revolución" by Thomas Benjamin
"La Revolución: Mexico's Great Revolution as Memory, Myth, and History" by Thomas Benjamin is a scholarly work that examines the Mexican Revolution from the perspective of how it was constructed and remembered. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:
Key Themes
Historical Memory and Myth: The book focuses on how the Mexican Revolution was transformed into a meaningful national event through the creation of historical memory and myth. Benjamin explores how middle-class, educated figures (voceros) interpreted and narrated the revolution, shaping its significance and legacy.
Construction of National Identity: Benjamin emphasizes the role of literate middle-to-high culture in constructing national collective memory. He argues that these interpretations were crucial in solidifying the hold of the single-party state on national politics.
Hegemony and Consent: The book discusses the concept of hegemony, where those in power maintain control not solely through force but also through consent. It highlights the negotiation of consent in the formation of hegemony, particularly in the context of the Mexican Revolution.
Official Interpretations vs. Grassroots Understandings: Benjamin contrasts official interpretations of the revolution with the understandings of revolutionary figures and events from the lower socioeconomic spectrum. This dichotomy underscores the complexities of how different groups perceived and remembered the revolution.
Plot Summary
The book is divided into two main sections:
- First Half: This section details the wartime construction of various factional interpretations of the revolution's significance. It examines how these interpretations were formulated during the administration of Alvaro Obregón and how they influenced the public memory of the revolution.
- Second Half: This section focuses on the performances and memory practices that embodied public memories of the Revolution. It includes celebrations like November 20 and the creation of monuments such as the Monument to the Revolution, which solidified official interpretations of revolutionary events and figures.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book is noted for its scholarly rigor and its contribution to understanding the complex dynamics of historical memory and myth in the context of the Mexican Revolution. The work is considered a classic in the field, helping to shape the way historians and scholars interpret the revolution and its legacy.
Additional Context
- Historical Context: The book provides a detailed historical context, including the overthrow of Porfirio Díaz in 1911 and the subsequent conflicts that led to the establishment of new revolutionary forces. It highlights key figures like Venustiano Carranza, Pancho Villa, and Emiliano Zapata, who played significant roles in shaping the revolution.
- Scholarly Engagement: The book engages with other scholarly works on the Mexican Revolution, such as those by Mark Wasserman and Samuel Brunk, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the revolution's impact on Mexican society and politics.
Overall, "La Revolución" by Thomas Benjamin offers a nuanced and multifaceted analysis of the Mexican Revolution, emphasizing its transformation into a national myth and its enduring impact on Mexican history and identity.