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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why were the Indians not outraged that their religions were replaced with Catholicism? (Chapter Five).
(a) Because they had been reconnected to the world.
(b) Because they were not very connected to their gods.
(c) Because they liked Catholicism better.
(d) Because their gods had betrayed them when Cortez attacked.

3. What was an important element of all ancient cultures?
(a) Religion.
(b) Historical records.
(c) Familial relationships.
(d) Military superiority.

4. Why have Mexican culture and politics vacillated from one extreme to another? (Chapter Seven, page 157).
(a) Because Mexicans deny their Spanish and Indian heritage.
(b) Because there has never been a strong Mexican leader.
(c) Because Mexicans have difficulty synthesizing experiences.
(d) Because Mexicans cannot invent their history from the beginning.

5. What question did Edmundo O'Gorman try to answer?
(a) What is Mexico?
(b) Where does the future lie?
(c) Who are the Mexicans as a people?
(d) What comprises America?

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Diaz's regime in a precarious position regarding positivist philosophy?

2. What was the most radical period of the Revolution?

3. What economic goal did the Revolution have?

4. What was the purpose of the publishing house Fondo de Cultura Economica?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does unemployment on the farms affect the cities? How does it slow all of Mexico's development?

2. Throughout his career, what did Jorge Cuesta argue? What are the benefits and downfalls of his argument?

3. Paz asserts that every revolution attempts to restore the order that an oppressor has twisted or disregarded altogether. How was that true in Mexico?

4. How does Paz define "Mexicanism"? How does it mesh with the individual whom he had described earlier?

5. What is the role of the Mexican intelligentsia within society? How does it differ from the function of the intelligentsia within the United States and Europe; and which one is a better role?

6. Mexico has entered a new phase of thinking and history. How does Paz explain that phase?

7. How was the Revolution similar to a fiesta? Because of any existing similarity, why do the people cling to that time in history? Can that be considered healthy?

8. What does Paz think of the Soviet Union? How does it compare to Mexico?

9. How did Catholicism reduce the Indian converts into passive believers? How was that a significant blow?

10. What does Paz say about the national differences among Central and South American nations? How does that tie into their relationship with Spain?

(see the answer keys)

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