This chapter was about the modernization of Latin America. Many countries in Latin America looked to Europe as an example of what a modern country should be. They wanted their countries to not only have more of modern values of Europe, but to also have a “feeling” of modernity. This can be seen even today in the styles of architecture from this time, which are similar to those of Europe. Many advances in transportation were also made, such as new railroads and wider roads. The chapter also talks about how many countries in Latin America began to rely on exports as a major source of their economy and how this could create problems.
Creelman’s interview with Porfirio Diaz was interesting. The way that Creelman describes Diaz shows the way he was idolized by so many people. Creelman put a lot of emphasis on even Diaz’s physical characteristics and described him as a hero to Mexico.
I totally agree with you because I think that Porfirio Diaz wanted to build a powerful country through modernization and the only way to achieve this goal was starting new business relations with other countries. This is very important because I think that Diaz invited Creelman to Mexico because he knew that this event would be very important to attract new investors from other countries like the U.S.A.
It was an interesting discussion to talk about the problem with the “monoexports” economies in Latin america which put the region in economical disadvantage, because if those products were not demanded by the global economy they had no source if income.