Rural Life in 19th Century Mexico

Rural Life in Mid-19th Century Mexico

• Mexico remained largely rural in the 1860s and 1870s.
• Rural life for the average person changed little compared to previous generations.
• Those in indigenous villages or pueblos lived similarly to their ancestors, in terms of earning power, standard of living, diet, life expectancy, and education.
• Interactions with national changes often involved adapting the new to the old, especially in the political sphere.
• The gap between rich and poor, white and brown Mexicans, widened or remained significant.
• Foreign travelers noted that roads improved slowly, but bandits still plagued the highways.

Class Differences in Mexico

• Inequality between social classes persisted.
• Indigenous and mixed-race campesinos (rural farmers) increasingly developed nationalist, collective identities combining old customs with new ideas from political, religious, and social movements.
• Some Mexicans expressed desires for change or challenged established norms.
• The situation of former soldiers was often precarious following the end of conflicts, leading to banditry and social unrest.

Population and Social Problems

• Mexico's population growth was slow during periods of war and unrest.
• Some Mexican city populations decreased, but others grew, such as Mexico City.
• Birth rates remained relatively high, but high infant mortality and casualties slowed overall growth.
• Urban migration may have contributed to challenges in the cities.
• Rural poverty persisted throughout this era.

Urbanization and Development

• Mexico City's population increased to around 200,000 in the restored republic.
• Significant physical transformations occurred, particularly the construction of new avenues and thoroughfares connecting the city.
• The major boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma (formerly Calzada de la Emperatriz), was completed later in this period.
• Issues of social and moral concern arose in Mexico City, including prostitution, begging, and significant concerns about public order and moral issues.
• New thoroughfares like the one connecting Chapultepec Castle to the city center reflect the expansion of the city.

Everyday Life and Cultural Achievements

• Rural Mexicans and urbanites both had significant social diversions
• Popular culture activities like public gatherings, fiestas, and circuses enjoyed widespread participation
• The bullfight, a popular spectacle, was a part of Mexican culture, became a source of social commentary, with efforts to regulate and restrict it.
• However, social problems such as begging persisted and there was pressure to address public order and moral issues.

Social and Cultural Developments

• The mid-19th century saw a rise in historical novels, reflecting new approaches to understanding the past. Authors tried to promote a sense of Mexican identity, and awareness.
• Intellectuals favored a path that emphasized Mexican cultural values and identity.
• The mid-19th century saw innovative works in art and music, and in the development of Mexican philosophies.
• Social awareness in the arts during this period was evident in several works, which highlighted issues of poverty, inequities and social injustices.
• Positive developments were seen in avenues of higher education in the arts.