This chapter focuses on the modernization of Latin America right after it gains its independence. According to Dawson, modernization involved innovation. New and advanced technology was invented. For instance railways that extended many miles, and photographs that could provide information and “were also critical to documenting the material signs of progress” (Dawson, p.126). The lives of the middle class and women were also improved. There were more opportunities in the labor force for them.

What was interesting to me about this chapter was how the elites in Latin America ruled and wanted more modernization. They believed that the only way for their society to become modern was to have order. Latin Americans also wanted their society to have similar values to European Western culture. For instance, Brazil and Argentina had many European immigrants coming to their country.

A document of Creelman’s interview with Diaz, the Mexican president who was announcing his retirement is shown in this chappter. Creelman was very elaborate when describing Diaz. Not only was he describing Diaz’s personality but emphasizes on his physical characteristics. An example is when he mentions something about his nostrils! Creelman’s description of Diaz is what actually stood out to me when reading this chapter. I could see how much Creelman idolized Diaz and thought of him as a great figure and/or hero. Another thing that I found interesting in this document was Diaz’s optimism. He showed a lot of confidence and believes that even though he is retiring, Mexico has a good future ahead of them. Having said that, I thought this document was very much one-sided. It pretty much talks about positive things and ignores the inevitable conflicts that could happen in modernization.