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This book offers readers a well-researched and detailed overview of social and diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico. It begins with an explanation of what life was like before the Europeans arrived on the North American continent. Then, readers discover the influence of the British, the establishment of the American colonies, and the role of the Spanish empire in exploration, trade, and economics. As the book progresses, insights are given into many events, such as the independence of Yucatan and the Zapatista Rebellion, which are frequently overlooked in American history books. The book also touches on economic and socio-political US-Mexico relations. Topics range from a brief overview of Mexico’s long history with drug trafficking to the hot topic of US-Mexico immigration policies. Uniquely, the book also incorporates information about the United States’ relationship with China and how the United States’ relationship with Mexico influences US-China relations.
Because of how it is written, Sheffield’s book is an easy and quick read. The chapters carefully explore how each nation’s independence differed and influenced its existence today. The book also fuses the role of arts and culture with economic and historical overviews. Human innovation, such as how transportation and inventiveness reshaped both countries, is also at the book’s forefront. The work provides readers with strong insights into how the United States’ stability differs greatly from the Mexican reality. For readers interested in works focusing on contemporary politics, this book is a great addition to their collection. Meanwhile, for those specifically interested in US-Mexico history and current events, this is a great guide to history, economics, and current events.