Аннотация: A paradoxes. A note on the book of Joseph Lavretsky "Juarez"
A paradoxes. A note on the book of Joseph Lavretsky "Juarez"
Since I had previously read Jacob Gordin"s book "The Three Wars of Benito Juarez" (as well as Mark Aldanov"s essay "Queretaro and Emperor Maximilian"), so I started reading from the end of this book (by Joseph Lavretsky).
At first I looked at "Key Dates."
1806 - The birth of Benito Juarez in the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
1821 - Declaration of independence of Mexico.
1846-1848 - war between the USA and Mexico.
1859 - The Government of Benito Juarez, while in Veracruz, publishes the most important laws of reform - on the separation of the church from the state, the confiscation of church property, and others.
1862-1867 - The war of the Mexican people against French intervention.
1864 - Proclamation of Archduke Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico, his arrival in the country.
1869 - The defeat of the French interventionists, their evacuation from Mexico; the capture of the city of Queretaro by the republican troops, the capture of Maximilian and his execution. The victory of the Republican army over the forces of internal reaction and foreign mercenaries. The return of the government of Juarez to the capital. Presidential elections. The election of Juarez as president for a new term ...
It is quite natural for the author of the biography, Joseph Lavretsky, to turn attention to the heroic struggle of the Mexican people, to the strong qualities of Benito Juarez. For example, he directs an author's look towards on Juarez's energy, perseverance, integrity.
We will choose a different path and will look at the strategy of Benito Juarez after defeating Maximilian. Lavretsky, with a share of melancholy, notices that Juarez and his supporters knew who to fight against, but they had difficulty making a choice - for what (in favor of what) to fight for.
Nevertheless, Joseph Lavretsky quotes the words of Benito Juarez: "We must organize our life in such a way as to satisfy all the needs of the peasant who produces the main wealth of the country" (Benito Juarez).
This is the very main thought, after disagreeing with which, having refuted which, a many figures started the political struggle in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century.
In 1917, those who believed that small-scale peasant farming did not have a strategic future won in Russia. To some extent, this point of view was accepted by Lenin"s lifelong friend Krzhizhanovsky.
After Lenin 's death, Gleb Krzyzanovsky became one of the economic leaders of the USSR, initiated the creation of Gosplan, a new economy (large industry), a carrying out of electrification, the creation in the agricultural sector of large farms using machines, the reform of science in the USSR with its reaching a new level.
In terms of living standards, the USSR population was on the last lines in the corresponding list of European countries. Nevertheless, the USSR was a European country, the benefits of European (Western) civilization were available to its population.
The USSR from the 20s to the 90s of the 20th century was never a state of a criminal layers (of lowest levels).
What were Mexico's prospects if, according to Benito Juarez, the conceptual basis of its political and economic development was a small peasant?
Agriculture in itself is not so often a highly profitable industry.
Small and medium peasants rarely show high productivity, profitability.
Decades and decades of a not very rich life were the prospects of Mexico. And with economic difficulties, crime and emigration are developing.
What moral principles have replaced the Catholic religion? A belief in a progress?
It would be strange if during a briefly discussing the biography of Benito Juarez we focuse into details about the personality of Emperor Maximilian. Nevertheless, the rule of Maximilian gave Mexico and the Mexican people a chance to enter the circle of countries of European (Western) civilization.
As a result, Mexico is free and independent. These are the positive results of the activities, of the governance, management of Benito Juarez. At the same time, we see paradoxes. In Mexico, caravans of potential emigrants move from south to north ...
A political history and a human psychology are arranged paradoxically .
Joseph Lavretsky concludes his book with the words:
"Little Indian" continues to live in the hearts of ordinary people. And on the banners of those who guard the independence, today, as yesterday, the words threatening for internal and external enemies of Mexico are inscribed:
Viva Juarez!
May 17, 2020 10:53
Translation from Russian into English: May 18, 2020 09:59.
Владимир Владимирович Залесский "Парадоксы. Заметка о книге Иосифа Лаврецкого "Хуарес"".