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212 Arizona Journal of Hispanic Cultural Studies In the Shadow of the Eagles: Sonora and theTransformation of the Border During the Porfiriato Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1997 By Miguel Tinker Salas In recent years, historians have devoted increasing attention to the evolution of northern Mexico and the border region. Sonora has been well represented in rhat historiography because of its special appeal as a frontiet region and its close ties with the United States. Themes of particular interest to researchers include Spanish/Mexican colonization and administration, relations with indigenous groups, regionalism, politics in the context of the evolving Mexican republic , mining, labor, and, more recently, the building of a transnational economy and society. In the Shadow of the Eagles, which addresses central questions pertaining to these and other related topics for the period 1876-1910, is a welcome addition to the literarure. The greatest innovation of this book is the integration of Sonoras history with that of the border region and Arizona. Tinker Salas demonsrrates the decisive importance of rhe United States in the evolution of Sonoras economy and society. All sections of the state were affected by external forces, but Guaymas, Hermosillo, Nogales, and Cananea felr the impact of Yankee capital and cultural influences the strongest. Smaller communities and mining centers linked with the new order were affected as well. More than any other development, the arrival of the railroads in rhe 1880s fixed the northward orientation of Sonotense society. The growth in interdependence with the United States broughr benefits as well as liabilities. Sonorenses relied less on Europeans for manufactured goods. Basic industries like mining, farming, and ranching expanded and became modernized . Transnational commerce rose as native entrepreneurs found new external markets for their products and as consumers stepped up their importation of basic and luxury goods. The standard of living improved for many elites and members of rhe middle class. On the other hand, Sonora surrendered a significant amount of control of its resources to foreigners and also allowed unprecendented external influence in irs political affairs. American culrural penetration triggered a divisive debate about threats to national identity. Readers will find much new information and many valuable insights into Sonoran society during a time of rapid change, including discussion of the following themes: culture, gender issues, the role of elires in politics and the economy, the workings of internal and external trade, commerce and rhe credir system, differences between European and American business pracrices, decline of Guaymas as an economic center after rhe arrival of the railroads, American adaptation and resistance to Sonoran way of life, the role of rhe railroads in promoring internal integration, isolation from central Mexico, the rise of the border region as an economic magnet, and border frictions. Book Reviews 213 In sum, this a solid book that significantly expands our undersranding of life in Mexico's northern frontier. It is grounded in extensive archival research in Mexico and the United States, both at the regional and national levels. It is well structured and clearly written. Hopefully it will soon be issued in paperback to facilitate its use in the classroom. Oscar J. Martinez The University of Arizona ...

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