Thomson, Guy P. C., 1949-. (1991) Popular aspects of liberalism in Mexico, 1848-1888. Bulletin of Latin American Research, Vol.10 (No.3). pp. 265-292. ISSN 0261-3050

Abstract

Between 1855 and 1867, Liberalism grew from a minority movement to become the national political consensus.1 This apparent monopoly of ideological discourse enjoyed by Liberalism was, of course, helped by the disappearance of 'Conservatism' from the political vocabulary, disgraced by its association with the European Intervention. Liberalism, by contrast, emerged in 1867 re-enforced by its close association with the patriotic resistance to the Empire. It is nevertheless remarkable that Liberalism, a secular and individualistic doctrine, took such a hold in a country with such a profound Hispanic and Catholic legacy. It is all the more extraordinary when it is considered that liberal hegemony was achieved over a period of economic stagnation and relatively limited social change. Mexico's liberal consensus was achieved before the emergence of a substantial, economically influential middle class.

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