The U.S.- Mexico Border from 1848-1929
How the arid lands occupied by Native Americans became a tool for the United States to gain hegemonic power
The Border
Today you might have an image of the U.S.-Mexico border as a region of tall fences and armed guards; a region that inspires an ongoing dialogue about the threat of immigration. But when the border line was first drawn in 1848, the main focus of both nations was to contain the Native American population and establish separate national identities. This exhibit, inspired by Rachel St. John's book Line in the Sand: A History of the U.S.-Mexico Border, examines the transformation of the border from 1848 through 1929 and demonstrates the economic and political power the United States ultimately won because of their ability to control the border.
The story of the U.S. Mexico border is an excellent example of how a borderlands approach to history is increasingly affecting our view of the West. A borderlands approach to historiography challenges older tendencies that limit the discussion of the West to current international boundaries. This borderlands analysis of the West pushes geographical boundaries of the West to include how the interactions between various countries, cultures and individuals influenced the hegemonic rise of the United States.
The border region in the early 1900s. From the 1840s until 1855 the Boundary Commission that established the border line encountered many issues along the way, but their biggest struggle was trying to survive the harsh conditions of the desert. At the very start of the journey to survey the land, the U.S. Congress provided $50,000, whereas the Mexican government only allotted for 200 pesos (about 10 dollars). Although this was the beginning of what would take seven years and hundreds of thousands of dollars, Mexico was consistently dependent on the U.S. to purchase tools and supply men.
Tijuana boundary marker circa 1905. In 1882 the United States and Mexico formed a new International Boundary Commission with the purpose of resurveying the border, replacing the monuments that stood as markers for the border and adding additional ones, so they were no more than 5 miles apart. This was the beginning of a clearly marked and permanent boundary that the U.S. would go on to use to their full advantage.
Apache women and children at the surrender of Geronimo in Southern Arizona 1885. Mexico and the United States shared the same goal when it came to gaining control of the borderland's region: they wanted to take it away from the Native tribes. Although many techniques were used to capture indigenous people and occupy their land, the relationship between the tribes and the Mexican government was too tense for any negotiations or treaties. Eventually the strongest leaders, Geronimo and Naiche were forced to surrender, however, they would only surrender to the U.S. and were then sent to exile in Florida. U.S. hegemony on the border gained traction when they were seen as the "heroes" because of their ability to conquer the land previously seen as uninhabitable due to the presence of Native Americans.
The Santa Fe Railroad bridge over Canyon Diablo, Arizona in the 1870's. Railroad developments like this demonstrates what was to come in terms of railroad connection between the United States and Mexico. In 1882 the Sonora Railway and the Arizona and New Mexico Railroad were connected, forming the first rail line to cross the border. As the borderline came to be seen as a tool for capitalism, the land rights of those living along the border were challenged. Wealthy American investors were able to buy out vast amounts of Mexican territory, and despite a Mexican federal law that prohibited foreigners from owning land within roughly sixty miles of the border, the weak economic state of the country forced Mexico to seek out American investors for over twenty years. The U.S. was able to consistently assert their economic dominance which validated the American people's confidence and increased Mexico's dependence on U.S. aid.
Crowds of Americans along the border 1911. The United States strength and independence was repeatedly affirmed throughout the Mexican Revolution. In 1911 there was an insurrection at Tijuana, and Americans felt so secure next to American soldiers they stood along the border to watch the battle. U.S. hegemony on the border was clearly felt by the public and is demonstrated by their willingness to be so close to gun shots and violence.
Confiscated liquor along the border circa 1925. U.S. officials dumped alcohol that was brought across the border from Mexico illegally. From 1920 until 1933 the U.S. attempted to regulate American morals by limiting alcohol consumption through prohibition. However, the demand for alcohol did not decrease even though it was illegal, and Vice Districts were borne along the border. Cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. began to deteriorate as the U.S. blamed Mexico for allowing U.S. citizens access to taverns and other amoral activities.
Ciudad Juarez, MX, aka, "Den of Sin." Vice Districts allowed Americans to cross the border and engage in drinking, gambling and other pastimes while ensuring that Mexico will be to blame for any indiscretion. Although most Vice District patrons were American, the districts were viewed as a danger to the American public. Many of the acts passed by the U.S. government during this period attempted to strengthen border security by establishing that the biggest threat was for "Mexican morals" to infiltrate the U.S. This began the rhetoric around an illegal immigrant, and once again, the U.S. gained the upper hand when it came to border control.
San Ysidro, San Diego 1929. After intentionally allowing Mexican immigrants to cross the border throughout the 20th century in order to provide labor and fill the working class, the U.S. government changed their attitude once the Great Depression hit. With less resources to share, all people with Mexican ancestry were discriminated against and encouraged to leave the country. The State Department began to enforce visa fees, literacy tests and thorough immigration inspections. The U.S. solidified their mastery over the border by successfully controlling border movement and influencing Mexico's economy even throughout a huge economic downturn.
The Culmination
The United States has never stopped building the border fence. Today the government continues to demonstrate their hegemony by adopting high tech security, building physical barriers, creating additional governmental agencies, and budgeting an estimated 333 billion dollars for such agencies. In 2015 the discussion about a wall between the U.S. and Mexico became a highly encouraged topic in U.S. politics. Although such proposals never came to fruition, the economic, legal, and social control the United States has gained over the border provides the same functions as a wall.
San Diego, CA, 1983. The sign reads, "United States of America, No Trespassing, Immigration & Naturalization Service"
Borderlands historiography expands our understanding of the past by challenging current geographical barriers. The United States did not gain their global status by focusing solely on building and establishing within; it came from economically, politically, and socially dominating other communities and exploiting all that is advantageous to the U.S. This analysis of the history of the U.S.-Mexico border provides evidence as to how the border was used to the advantage of the United States to strengthen and grow the Western domain.
