Chihuahua, the United States and the origins of a revolution (Mexico)

American capital and cultural expansion into the northern region of Mexico fostered an atmosphere of social and economic destabilization that contributed to the outbreak of revolution in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1910. By the turn of the century through military threats and diplomatic pressure, American industries secured favorable tax, mining and land laws and received concessionary rights to develop railroads, mining properties and large ranching and agriculture enterprises.; Under Mexican president Porfirio Diaz, Americans came to control millions of acres of land, mining properties, forest preserves, vast cattle ranches, commercial properties, banks and utilities. The influx of American investment, colonists and technology transformed northern Mexico into a dependent, American-capitalized, state. Through the encouragement of foreign immigration, the Mexican government hoped to implant "positive" foreign values, a modern industrial system and a spirit of capitalist entrepreneurship and work ethics---elements that the elite felt its own population lacked. Through the sales of concessions and exports, Mexico's economy grew creating a small middle class, but with the majority of wealth enriching the newly empowered elite and foreign capitalists. For the common laborer, rancher, miner and forester, institutionalized racism and capitalist exploitation translated into uneven wage scales and job opportunities and perpetuated negative attitudes of Mexico by Anglo supervisors, coworkers and colonizing neighbors.; Chihuahua bore the initial brunt of foreign-imposed industrialization and consequently, the origins of revolutionary activity. Economic benefits achieved during the boom years of productivity and industrial development all but disappeared as economic and social conditions, radically altered during the Porfiriato, worsened throughout Mexico. Droughts in the north further reduced the nation's productivity as agriculture production declined and fields remained fallow and underdeveloped; combined with burgeoning debt and inflation, political destabilization made the region susceptible to rebellion and revolution.; During the initial phase of revolution and counterrevolution, American colonists and businesses were attacked for their partnership with the Diaz regime, leading to their exodus from Chihuahua. The deprivations inflicted upon foreigners and business interests by the Mexican revolutionaries, and violent and often indiscriminate reactions by Americans toward Mexicans during this period, were more intense that previously thought.