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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What metaphor does Paz use to describe Mexico taking control from Spain?
(a) A corpse dismembered and a nation born.
(b) A young man finally realizing his strength.
(c) A phoenix rising from the ashes.
(d) A lion cub overtaking its elderly parent.

2. Which of the following contributed to making colonialism alive and relevant?
(a) Catholicism.
(b) Violence.
(c) Imperial takeover.
(d) Native acceptance.

3. Why did the Mexican Revolution have to begin before the beginning?
(a) Mexico did not have the basic electricity and resources needed to transform her cities.
(b) In the early 20th Century, Mexico was far behind the advanced world.
(c) The cities were not large enough to house the farmers-turned-workers.
(d) The people still held a feudalistic mindset.

4. Why was Diaz's regime in a precarious position regarding positivist philosophy?
(a) Because it adopted rather than fathered the philosophy.
(b) Because only about half the regime favored the philosophy.
(c) Because the common people vehemently opposed the philosophy.
(d) Because it could not afford to support such a philosophy when the regime itself was so new.

5. What was one factor that guided the Revolution to prioritize tradition?
(a) The workers did not belong to the city or the country, and so they did not have any tradition.
(b) Its fear of the future.
(c) Its belief in the value of the past.
(d) The large number of supporters over the age of 50.

6. According to Paz, who is most fascinated by death?
(a) The dying.
(b) The infant.
(c) The youth.
(d) The old.

7. According to Paz, what is the "contemporary crisis"? (Chapter Seven, page 172).
(a) The struggle between two diverse cultures.
(b) The difficulty of Mexico relating to the advancing western world.
(c) The crisis of self-identity sweeping South America.
(d) A struggle within a culture that no longer has any rivals.

8. How did the Independence movement begin in South America?
(a) With simultaneous victories sweeping the continent.
(b) Under the leadership of impassioned leader, San Martin.
(c) With Mexican housewives gradually overturning the governing body.
(d) With a small band of determined revolutionaries.

9. What was Vasconcelos' philosophy regarding the material world?
(a) The supernatural world governs the material world.
(b) Intellect, rather than emotions, comprehends the world and creates reality.
(c) The material world cannot be understood nor explained.
(d) Emotions, rather than intellect, comprehend the world and create reality.

10. In Jose Gaos' thought, what unique opportunity do young people have through their education?
(a) Creating their own philosophy.
(b) Rebuilding their political system.
(c) Modifying Spanish to meet the needs of the South Americans.
(d) Moving Mexico into the world sphere.

11. In Asia and Africa, what two seemingly-contradictory ideologies are being used?
(a) Revolutionary aspiration and nationalism.
(b) Colonial past and nationalism.
(c) World power and individualism.
(d) Future dreams and individualism.

12. What should Mexicans recognize about their alienation from the world?
(a) It has managed to cut them off completely.
(b) It can be reversed only by a charismatic leader.
(c) It is shared by many people around the world.
(d) It is unique to their country.

13. How does the Indian perceive salvation? (Chapter Five).
(a) As part of society and the cosmos, as well as individual.
(b) As something solely individual.
(c) As something attainable only by a few people.
(d) As something open to anyone who would believe.

14. According to Jorge Cuesta, how has Mexico created herself?
(a) In opposition to her past.
(b) With no regard for the common people.
(c) With an eye toward preventing civil war.
(d) In agreement with her past.

15. According to Paz, what philosophical fact defines much of Mexico's history?
(a) The people adopted ideas, but did not invent their own.
(b) They had only two great thinkers.
(c) The people adopted some ideas and invented others.
(d) They overturned several of Spain's philosophical treatises.

Short Answer Questions

1. What event precipitated Spain's complete loss of power?

2. What was the main philosophical objective of the Revolution?

3. What economic goal did the Revolution have?

4. Why did the Spaniards not exterminate the Indians after they were conquered?

5. What happened to the people annexed by greater world powers?

(see the answer keys)

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