This chapter is an extension of the previous chapter. it focuses on the export boom, but it gives us an different point of view, one which paints a totally different picture. The boom created wealth for many nations in Latin America. Wealth, and modernity always has a two sided story: the exapnsion of richess of the wealthy, in extchange for the exploitation of the many. The elites at the time had a great deal of power over the middle and lower classes. The elite’s power created a clear division between many socities, as was seen in Mexico and Argentina. The middle class fought for demoracy and better ways of living, making clear and resonable demands, but as it has always been the case, the power withheld by those few elites, was able to supress them.

Although the export boom in 19th century Latin America happened quite a while ago, it’s still quite relevant today. The needs of those few, are always more important than the majority. In some ways the elites have a very narrow view of what the world, and what their view of progress really looks like to others. Although, they may be progressing as their wealth keeps on growing, others may be struggling to keep up. There is a similarity bewteen the society in 19th century Latin America and the one which is presented today. The wealthy create what the world looks like, and the rest are meant to follow, because what other choice do they have? Some have an accumulated wealth of 40% of Americans (Bill Gates), enogh to feed and house many people who are faced with devasting condions, this is the system in which we live in.

Chapters 4 and 5 have showed me the two sided world of Latin America in the 19th century. Although , there has always been two sides to every story, to me it’s saddenning to see that the problems of the past, have followed us on the road to modernity.