The Process of Accelerated Industrialization in Mexico, 1929–82

Abstract

The economic history of Mexico’s industrialization dates back to the end of the nineteenth century when the first large industrial firms were established. Although these businesses were so huge that they would satisfy at least 30 or 40 per cent of the domestic market, they only touched a relatively small segment of society. But during the twentieth century, after the Mexican revolution (1910–17), industrialization reflects to a large extent the transformation of the whole economy, with its corresponding impact on the political system and society as a whole. It encompasses the way by which industrial activity becomes important for a larger share of the population, its relevance to urbanization and the transformation of agriculture and other primary sectors, the relationship of the private sector and labour with the government, and the greater role of the international economy.

A large part of the content of this paper is the result of several years of research on the economic history of industrialization, economic policy and growth, which has been, or will soon be published. I therefore draw extensively from those sources. I wish to express my gratitude to Rosemary Thorp and Victor Urquidi for insightful comments throughout the paper, as well as to Sergio Negrete and the participants of the workshop that originated this volume. Naturally all remaining responsibility is mine. I also want to express my appreciation to Rodolfo Martell and Elia Solis for their help in producing the tables and graphs included in this text and for reviewing the manuscript.