The industrial revolution in Mexico, beginning in the mid-20th century, marked a significant shift in the nation's economic and social trajectory. Following decades of agrarian focus and reform that characterized the earlier phases of the Mexican Revolution, attention turned decisively to industrial development after 1940. This transformation reflected not only a change in economic priorities but also a break with traditional attitudes, as leaders in business, government, and labor circles championed industrial growth as the keystone of Mexico's future. Through targeted policies, state support, and a commitment to modernization, Mexico began to lay the groundwork for a diversified industrial economy, emphasizing manufacturing and infrastructural development.

This study explores the complexities of Mexico's industrial revolution by addressing the ideological foundations, policy frameworks, and practical achievements that underpinned this transformative era. The analysis is divided into three parts: the philosophical and policy shifts that supported industrialization, the measurable progress in key industrial sectors, and the broader economic and social challenges posed by this rapid change. These include the mobilization of human and financial resources, the inflationary pressures of industrial expansion, and the shifting role of Mexico in the global economy. By presenting this case study, the author contributes to a broader understanding of industrialization in developing nations, situating Mexico's experience within the global context of economic modernization and institutional change.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1950.