Open Access

Alma J. Durán-Merk

• From 1880 until 1914, the Mexican state of Yucatán enjoyed an economic boom thanks to the export of henequen. During this period, hundreds of North American and European immigrants came to the peninsula in different capacities, as investors, merchants, managers, professionals and technicians, but also as laborers and service personnel. From a culturally arrogant position, some of them saw themselves as part of a "civilizing mission", by means of which they would help "educate" the locals. From an ethno-historical perspective, the present communication explores the causes that originated the migration of German-speaking peoples into the Mayab, considering the preexisting socio-cultural, political, and legal conditions that gave way to such a favorable receiving context for the foreigners. In contrast to other studies, some of the main consequences for the hosting society and the immigrants themselves are also explored, as well as various sub-cultural perspectives. This contributionFrom 1880 until 1914, the Mexican state of Yucatán enjoyed an economic boom thanks to the export of henequen. During this period, hundreds of North American and European immigrants came to the peninsula in different capacities, as investors, merchants, managers, professionals and technicians, but also as laborers and service personnel. From a culturally arrogant position, some of them saw themselves as part of a "civilizing mission", by means of which they would help "educate" the locals. From an ethno-historical perspective, the present communication explores the causes that originated the migration of German-speaking peoples into the Mayab, considering the preexisting socio-cultural, political, and legal conditions that gave way to such a favorable receiving context for the foreigners. In contrast to other studies, some of the main consequences for the hosting society and the immigrants themselves are also explored, as well as various sub-cultural perspectives. This contribution presents one aspect of the preliminary results of a large dissertation project that draws its conclusion on hundreds of primary and secondary sources consulted and/or gained in Austria, Germany, the United States, and México.…